Renowned broadcaster Hoda Kotb’s recent exit from a popular talk show has caused mixed reactions. But it’s her reasons for leaving that are really sparking conversations online.
Journalist Hoda Kotb recently announced her decision to step down as co-anchor of the “Today” show, leading to widespread discussions on social media and fan forums.
Many viewers have expressed surprise at the sudden announcement, as Hoda has been a central figure on the show for years. Some fans speculate there may be behind-the-scenes drama, while others think it could be a personal decision.
TV personality Hoda Kotb, who co-anchored the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie for over five years, recently opened up about her journey during a live broadcast. Her full statement was later shared on the “Today” show’s Instagram page.
She said, “My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life, thanks to all of you. ‘Today’ and its amazing people never change—you all handle everything with grace and courage.”
In a letter, Hoda reflected on her 26-year career at NBC, which included ten years with “Dateline,” seven years on the 7 a.m. hour, and sixteen years on the 10 a.m. hour.She revealed that she had been thinking about this decision for a while, unsure if she was ready. However, her 60th birthday helped confirm that it was the right time to move forward.
Hoda talked about her meaningful career, nearly three decades long, and stressed the importance of spending more time with her daughters and her mother.
Although she will miss everyone, Hoda expressed excitement for the future and promised to continue working until early 2025, giving her time to discuss future plans with fans.
She assured viewers that the “Today” show team would continue to thrive, regardless of any changes. Hoda also expressed her gratitude to the NBC family, saying they would always have a special place in her heart.
Born in Egypt, Hoda has faced significant personal challenges throughout her career. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the treatment made it impossible for her to have children.
After surviving cancer, her marriage to tennis coach Burzis Kanga ended in divorce a year later. At the time, Hoda had accepted that she might never become a mother.
Despite that, Hoda always dreamed of motherhood. She thought about switching careers, possibly becoming a teacher or running a summer camp.
In 2017, Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, and announced the joyful news on the “Today” show, sharing her happiness with her colleagues.
Less than ten days after bringing Haley home, Hoda had already settled into the routine of bottle feedings, diaper changes, and laundry in her Upper West Side penthouse. She found a new kind of love she had never felt before.
In 2019, she expanded her family by adopting another baby girl, Hope Catherine. Haley happily embraced her role as a big sister.
In March 2023, Hoda’s family faced a health scare when Hope had to stay in the hospital for a week, including a few days in the ICU.
Hoda took time off work to care for Hope, and after returning, she expressed deep gratitude that her daughter was recovering. She mentioned that the recovery would take time but remained optimistic.
Hoda shares her two daughters with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, to whom she was engaged from 2019 until 2022. As a single mom, she now lives with her daughters in a suburban home, moving from her New York City apartment in March 2024.
Moving to the suburbs was a hard decision, as Hoda had lived in the same apartment since adopting her daughters. But she felt the move would give her children new experiences, like playing in a yard and riding bikes in a safer, quieter area.
Turning 60 made Hoda reflect on her life, particularly the lessons of motherhood. She shared that her daughters showed her that anything is possible and helped her realize she is “good enough,” flaws and all.
Her daughters also taught her to find humor in challenges and reminded her that she was always meant to be a mother. As she grew older, Hoda felt that her children now deserved more of her time, which played a big role in her decision to leave the “Today” show.
However, some reports suggest another reason for Hoda’s departure. Allegedly, she left her $20 million-plus per year deal after NBC offered her a pay cut.
A media executive noted that this is part of a trend in TV news, where many are facing pay cuts or job losses. Since the news broke, people online have been actively discussing Hoda’s decision.
One user commented, “She made her millions. Now it’s time to spend them.” Another said, “Hoda is worth 30 million dollars. I’d quit too.”
Others showed support, with one person writing, “Your kids will love having more of you. Enjoy your newfound freedom.”
Hoda Kotb’s journey has been filled with challenges and successes, but her love for her family has always been her priority. As she moves into a new chapter, she focuses on what matters most—her daughters and their life together.
Here’s when Kate Middleton is going to appear
The question of what is going on behind closed doors at Windsor is one of the most asked questions during the last couple of months, or better said since Kate Middleton‘s last public appearance.
The Princess of Wales had undergone a “planned” abdominal surgery in mid-January and ever since, her exact health state or whereabouts haven’t been discussed by the Palace except for the statement which came as a for of reassurance that she was “doing well,” and that they won’t be sharing any details except when they feel something truly significant takes place.
The people of Britain, as well as those from around the world who closely follow the situation involving Kate and the rumors surrounding her state, were given a glimpse of hope when the Minister of Defense confirmed that she would be attending the Trooping the Colour dress rehearsal ceremony on June 8, ahead of the main event on June 15.
However, it later turned out that it was a mistake and that Kate’s potential return to royal duty event has been deleted from an Army website. As per GB News, Kensington Palace was “not consulted” regarding the Princess of Wales’ appearance.
“It seems the MoD jumped the gun with this announcement and that Kensington Palace was not consulted…we will have to wait to see if the PoW will be well enough to attend,” Telegraph royal reporter Victoria Ward posted on X.
What’s most, the event’s overview mentioned Kate’s presence multiple times.
“Trooping the Colour reviewed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales is identical to Trooping the Colour reviewed by His Majesty The King,” “Trooping the Colour reviewed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales also includes 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards,” and “The soldiers will be inspected by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Colonel Irish Guards.”
The site removed every information related to Kate and the event as well as her photo on the site’s landing page.
Kate hasn’t been seen in public for a long period of time, which is very unusual for a royal of her rank.
The public could last see her on a photo taken by TMZ, which some claimed was staged.
She also posted a photo herself on Mother’s Day on which she could be seen together with her children, but it was later determined the photo had been edited at parts which led to the news agencies to issue “kill notices,” which are advisory notices to remove or not use a specific photo.
“It appears that the source has manipulated the image,” the Associated Press notification read.
They also released a statement, saying, “The Associated Press initially published the photo, which was issued by Kensington Palace. The AP later retracted the image because at closer inspection, it appears that the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards. The photo shows an inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand.
Although the Palace didn’t comment on the edited photo, Kate herself decided to explain why the image had “flaws.”
On her and William’s official X account, she wrote, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”
Kensington Palace has later confirmed it “would not be reissuing the original unedited photograph of Kate and her children.”
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