After nearly three decades as one of NBC’s most recognizable faces, Hoda Kotb knew it was time for a new chapter. 

Having spent 26 years at the network—first on Dateline and then as a beloved co-anchor on Today—the journalist 

and television personality recently stepped away from the show, marking the end of an era.

For Kotb, turning 60 was a defining moment, one that led her to reflect on where she was in life and what she wanted next. 

As she transitions into this new phase, she’s opening up about what led to her decision, the emotions behind it, and what the future holds.

A Thoughtful Departure

Though stepping away from Today seemed like a sudden change to viewers, 

Kotb reveals that the idea had been lingering in the back of her mind for some time—particularly as she considered the ages of her two daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5.

“There were days when I would think about it—long days, days where I missed things,” Kotb admitted. “But when you’re deeply in love with something, why would you leave? It doesn’t make sense. Still, I knew there are different seasons in life.”

Her years at NBC had been the longest relationship of her life, but she couldn’t ignore the feeling that something else was waiting for her. She describes having a powerful moment of clarity on her 60th birthday. Looking out at Today’s famous plaza, she realized she had reached the pinnacle of her career.

“I thought to myself, This is the top of the wave. And it just hit me—I knew it was time for the next one.”

Advice That Helped Her Take the Leap

As she considered leaving, Kotb turned to others who had made bold career moves. One piece of advice that resonated with her came from Trevor Noah, who left The Daily Show. He told her, “You have to go before you start resenting the job.” Though Kotb never reached that point, she took the advice to heart—she wanted to step away while she still loved what she was doing.

Chris Martin of Coldplay also influenced her perspective. During an interview, Kotb asked him if his band was really ending, and he responded confidently, “Yes, because we know it’s two more albums and then we’re done.”

“It made me realize that you can feel heartbreak and excitement at the same time,” she said. “You can be sad to leave and also ready for something new.”

Kotb also found guidance from her close friend Maria Shriver, who advised her to create a plan for the first Monday after leaving. Shriver warned her that without structure, it could be easy to feel lost.

Embracing a New Daily Routine

Determined not to feel aimless, Kotb put together a plan for her first days post-Today.

“I’ll wake up for a 5:45 a.m. SoulCycle class. Afterward, I’ll be home in time for breakfast with my kids. Then, I’ll walk them to school, come back, take a hot shower, and spend a few hours working on things that excite me in the wellness space. I’ll finally have time for those lunch dates I’ve been putting off, and in the evening, I’ll cook dinner and enjoy a glass of wine,” she shared.

Having this structure in place gives Kotb a sense of direction as she steps into this new chapter.

Venturing into the Wellness Space

One of the exciting projects on Kotb’s horizon involves wellness, a field she’s become passionate about in recent years.

She recalls an experience that changed her outlook: “A woman once taught me breathwork, and I thought, I already know how to breathe. But after practicing her technique for 10 minutes, I unexpectedly burst into tears. It was a release I didn’t know I needed.”

Now, she’s exploring ways to bring similar experiences to others. Though her wellness company is still in its early stages, she emphasizes that it won’t be product-driven but rather about personal exploration.

Words of Wisdom for Those Considering a Change

For anyone hesitant about making a big career shift, Kotb offers a piece of advice she once received from Bethenny Frankel:

“Put 10% of your time and 10% of your money toward the thing you’re thinking about. You can’t just quit your job because you have bills to pay, but you can start building toward something new.”

She also recalls a favorite saying from her former Today co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford: “Find what you love and figure out how to get paid for it.”

“If you’re only working for the paycheck, that’s a lot of unhappy days,” Kotb adds. “You get one ride around the sun—make it count.”

Looking Ahead with Excitement

As she steps away from the rigid schedule of morning television, Kotb is most excited about embracing spontaneity.

“For the first time, I can take a road trip with my kids without worrying about vacation days. I can go out for dinner without constantly checking the time,” she says.

She’s also not leaving NBC entirely—she’s set to continue hosting the Making Space podcast and will be covering the Olympics.

Cherishing the Memories

Reflecting on her time at Today, Kotb says what she’ll miss most is the relationships—both with her colleagues and the viewers.

One moment she’ll always treasure was meeting a woman in the Today plaza who told her, “Your father was my professor.” Kotb was stunned—the woman then handed her a bracelet her father had brought from overseas for his office staff.

Another day, a visitor turned out to be Kotb’s third-grade teacher, who still had a note Kotb had written to her as a child.

“The plaza was always my happy place,” she says. “It’s the heartbeat of Manhattan. No matter who’s on the show, it will always be special.”

Though she’s stepping away from Today, Kotb is stepping into a new chapter filled with excitement, purpose, and plenty of adventures ahead.

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