Hoda Kotb leaves the ‘Today’ show

Hoda Kotb, the co-host of NBC’s “Today,” announced Thursday that she would be leaving the show early next year.

“I realized that at age 60 it was time for me to turn the page and try something new,” she said.

Kotb said her desire to spend more time with her family also played a role in her decision.

Kotb was announced as co-anchor of “Today” in January 2018, replacing Matt Lauer, who was fired amid sexual misconduct allegations.

While Kotb is leaving the morning show, she said she will continue working for NBC. Brian Steinberg of Variety reports this she will continue to contribute to the show even after her departure from the anchor desk.

However, Kotb’s departure from the “Today” franchise still poses a significant challenge for NBC. The New York Times reports thisas network executives have yet to announce a replacement for the popular host, who also appeared regularly on the 10 a.m. slot of “Today,” which is hosted by Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford.

Savannah Guthrie, Kotb’s co-host for the first two hours of “Today,” told the Times she was “super heartbroken” by the news, but praised her colleague for having the courage to make the decision.

“It takes so much guts to leave a place where you feel so comfortable, where you are so loved,” Guthrie said.

Kotb also wrote a heartfelt letter to “Today” staff informing them of the “painful” decision she made, while appearing reassuring about the future of the program.

“I know one thing for sure now: everything will be fine,” she wrote. ‘The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its wonderful people – all of you – never waver. You always resist with grace and courage.

In 2022, Kotb announced that she broke up with her partner, Joel Schiffman, after eight years together.

“We decided that we are better as friends and parents than as an engaged couple,” she said at the time.

The couple shares two adopted children. Their youngest daughter, Hope, spent a few days in intensive care and about a week in the hospital due to health issues, Kotb revealed in May, following her two-week absence from the show.