Reactions to renowned broadcaster Hoda Kotb’s recent departure from a well-liked talk program have been conflicting. The real discussion starter on the internet, though, is the intrigue around her motivations for taking a step back.
When journalist Hoda Kotb announced recently that she was leaving her role as co-anchor of the “Today” show, it generated a lot of discussion in internet forums.
During the live daily show, the TV personality—who co-anchored alongside Savannah Guthrie for almost five years—openly reminisced on her path. Later, her entire remark was shared on the Instagram page of the “Today” show.
“I have had the longest professional relationship of my life throughout my tenure at NBC. mainly because you’ve supported me along my 26-year journey. In addition, “Today” and all of its incredible people never falter. You always handle change bravely and with grace,” she said.
In a letter to NBC News, Hoda outlined her 26-year tenure, which included ten years on “Dateline,” seven years on the 7 a.m. hour, and sixteen years on the 10 a.m. hour.
The well-known person revealed that she had been thinking about this choice for a while and wondered if she was really ready. But the celebration of her 60th birthday felt like a turning moment, an indication that it was time to go on.
She discussed her significant nearly three-decade career in broadcasting and stressed the value of spending more time with her mother and daughters.
Even though Hoda will miss everyone terribly, she was excited about what was ahead. She gave viewers comfort by saying that she will work until early 2025, giving them plenty of time to talk about her future intentions.
Hoda assured everyone that no matter what happened, the “Today” show and its committed staff would persevere. The news anchor also thanked the NBC family and pledged to keep in touch, saying that they will always have a particular place in her heart.
Throughout her incredible career, the broadcaster, who was born in Egypt, has had to overcome tremendous personal obstacles. She was given a breast cancer diagnosis, but the therapy prevented her from getting pregnant.
Less than a year after her recovery, her two-year marriage to tennis coach Burzis Kanga terminated in divorce, compounding her hardships. She had already given up on the dream of having children at that point in her life.
Hoda revealed that although having children was always her desire, she had to come to terms with the possibility that it might not work out when things didn’t go as expected.
She made an effort to move on, but every time someone inquired about her children, she had a hole in her heart. The author frequently daydreamed about changing occupations and envisioned herself in positions like summer camp director or teacher.
But in February 2017, she adopted her first child, daughter Haley Joy, realizing her ambition of being a mother. The happy new mother shared the wonderful news with her coworkers as she revealed the birth of her child on the “Today” show.
In less than ten days following the arrival of her newborn baby, Hoda had already acclimated herself to the daily grind of diaper changes, bottle feedings, and nonstop laundry.
She loved the little joys of being a mother, spending her days in her apartment on the Upper West Side. She found herself learning a new dimension of love that she had never experienced before, despite her extensive life experiences.
Hoda added Hope Catherine, a newborn girl, into her family in April 2019. On the “Today” show, she announced the happy news and mentioned how Haley had accepted her role as an older sister.
In March 2023, four years later, Hope’s health problem forced the family to spend a week in the hospital after a few days in the intensive care unit.
After handling the situation while away from work, Hoda expressed her sincere appreciation that her daughter was back home and recovering.
When Hoda provided an update on her 3-year-old in May of that year, she mentioned that Hope was getting better and improving significantly. Although she was aware that her recuperation would take more time, she continued to be optimistic about her progress.
With Joel Schiffman, her previous fiancé, with whom Hoda was engaged from 2019 to 2022, she shares two daughters. As a single mother, Hoda presently resides in a suburban house with her two girls after announcing her intention to vacate her New York City apartment in March 2024.
Hoda made a difficult decision to move from the city to the suburbs because she had been living in the same apartment since she adopted her daughters in 2017 and 2019.
But she thought the relocation would provide her kids new experiences—like playing in a yard, riding bikes in a safe small town, and feeling grass under their feet.
Hoda’s 60th birthday caused her to take stock of her life and the important things parenting has given her. She said that becoming a mother taught her that anything is possible and that, in spite of her imperfections, she is “good enough.”
Her girls have confirmed that she was always intended to be a mother and have taught her to find comedy in the difficulties of life. Hoda’s decision to leave the “Today” show was largely influenced by her belief that her children now deserve a significant amount of her time as she became a mother later in life.
Reports, however, point to a different reason why Hoda might have left. She allegedly quit her lucrative contract for over $20 million year when NBC suggested a compensation reduction.
This is a part of a larger trend, according to a seasoned media executive who said, “This is the age of the great resetting of TV news contracts.” Everyone is experiencing a pay reduction or job elimination.” Social media users have been talking about Hoda’s choice to leave the “Today” show ever since she announced her resignation.
“She brought her millions. It’s time to go spend them now,” a person commented. “Well, no [one] can say the Democratic-owned media doesn’t pay well,” said a second. Hoda has a $30 million net worth. I would also give up. Life has so much more to offer.”
One individual said, “This is really cringeworthy.” Another person said, “She’s being pushed out!” Well done, Hoda!” One YouTube viewer wrote, “I always liked Hoda,” expressing admiration for Kotb. She is deserving of retiring in full and the opportunity to relish her life and her time with her kids. Best wishes for everything.”
Similar thoughts were expressed by another, who said, “Your kids would appreciate having more of you. You’ll adore your newfound independence as well. Hoda, congratulations.”
Hoda Kotb has experienced many hardships, victories, and profound family love throughout her life. She continues to keep her attention on her girls and the life they are creating together as she begins a new chapter.
