Hoda Kotb is embracing an exciting new phase of her life following her departure from the Today show in January 2025.
After spending 26 years at NBC, the beloved journalist is turning her focus to personal growth and storytelling,
with her latest project being a book titled Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life.
Set to be released in the fall, the book will delve into Kotb’s experiences with change
and how she has learned to navigate life’s transitions with courage and optimism.
Hoda Kotb’s Big Announcement
The news of Kotb’s book was officially revealed during the March 10 broadcast of Today, where her former co-host Carson Daly shared the exciting update. Kotb also recorded a heartfelt video message for fans, reflecting on the major life changes she has faced over the past year and how they have inspired her latest endeavor.
“Everybody in their life, at one point, stands on the edge of something and says, ‘Should I jump? Should I try? Should I go for it?’” Kotb shared in her message. “And I felt that way about the Today show, and I was terrified to even think about jumping.”
She also revealed that she has been receiving support and advice from longtime friend Maria Shriver, who reminded her of her history of taking leaps of faith. Shriver’s words encouraged Kotb to embrace the uncertainty ahead, reassuring her that she has always been someone willing to take risks and step into new opportunities.
What is Jump and Find Joy About?
Kotb’s book is set to be an inspiring read, guiding people through the idea that change should not be feared, but rather embraced as a necessary and often rewarding part of life. According to the book’s description, it will explore the many ways in which Kotb has thrived in unexpected chapters of her journey, from joining Today at 44 to becoming a mother at 52 and, now, stepping away from the show at 60.
Through her memoir, Kotb hopes to encourage readers to take chances in their own lives, reassuring them that success and happiness can come at any stage. The book will include personal stories, lessons she has learned along the way, and reflections on the power of resilience.
A Tearful Goodbye to Today
Kotb’s decision to leave Today was met with surprise from longtime viewers when she made the emotional announcement on September 26, 2024. During her farewell segment, she opened up about the thought process behind her departure, revealing that turning 60 was a pivotal moment in her decision-making.
“I was doing the math, and I realized that I have spent 26 years at NBC, 16 years on The Ten, and seven years with you,” she said during the broadcast. “And I just turned 60. It was such a monumental moment for me because I started thinking about that decade. Like, what does that decade mean? What does it hold? And I realized that it was time for me to turn the page and try something new.”
While she expressed her gratitude for the show and her colleagues, she felt it was the right time to shift her focus to other pursuits, including spending more time with her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 5.
The Decision Behind Her Exit
Aside from wanting to embrace new opportunities, reports indicated that Kotb’s departure was also influenced by contract negotiations. In October 2024, it was revealed that her contract with NBC was up, and while the network wanted her to stay, she was reportedly facing a significant pay cut.
Her salary, estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million per year, was expected to decrease significantly had she chosen to remain with the network. Ultimately, the decision was left to Kotb, and she chose to step away to explore new ventures on her own terms.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite leaving Today, Kotb remains a beloved figure in the television industry, and her former colleagues continue to support her as she embarks on this new journey. The Today show team is expected to follow her next steps closely, as she continues to share her wisdom, experiences, and insights through her writing.
“Here’s my thing, you get one life,” Kotb shared in her video message. “That’s all. That’s it. It’s ready for the taking. It only takes a jump.”
Her book, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, is set to be released on September 23, 2025, and is already available for preorder. Fans eager to hear more about her journey and gain insight into her perspective on change and reinvention will surely find inspiration in her latest work.
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