Hoda Kotb has been a familiar and beloved presence on American television for nearly two decades, serving as a co-host on the Today Show for 17 years.
Her warm personality, journalistic expertise, and undeniable chemistry with her co-hosts made her an integral part of the morning show.
However, in a surprising decision, Kotb announced her departure from the program last year, leaving many viewers saddened by the news.
Kotb’s journey in broadcast journalism has been nothing short of remarkable.
Having spent almost 30 years at NBC News, she worked her way up from a correspondent at Dateline to becoming one of the most recognized faces in morning television.
From her fun-loving antics with Kathie Lee Gifford to her heartfelt moments with Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb set a shining example of a successful and enduring career in journalism.
Her departure from Today was largely influenced by her desire to spend more time with her daughters. As she reflected on turning 60, Kotb shared: “Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.” This heartfelt realization led her to step away from her long-running role to focus on family life.
From Journalism Graduate to Local News Reporter
Hoda Kotb’s career began after she graduated from Virginia Tech in 1986 with a degree in broadcast journalism. She has often spoken about her deep connection to the university, stating in 2023 that she felt drawn to the large student community and the unique opportunities the school provided. She credited Virginia Tech with teaching her valuable life skills beyond just academics.
Like many journalists, Kotb had to work her way up in the industry. Her first on-air role came at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, after a news and sports director gave her the chance to prove herself. From there, she moved to WQAD in Moline, Illinois, and later took on roles at WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, and WWL in New Orleans, where she worked for six years.
Looking back at her early years, Kotb acknowledged the mix of timing, luck, and dedication that helped her succeed. “A lot of people work hard, but I think I got lucky with timing,” she once shared. “While I was working in a place, I fell in love with that place. I wasn’t about, ‘What’s the next place?’”
A Career-Changing Move to NBC News
Kotb’s life and career took a major turn in 1998 when a vice president at NBC News reached out to her for an interview. That year, she officially joined NBC as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, a role that would solidify her reputation as a skilled journalist.
Despite her excitement, Kotb recalled feeling a bit out of her depth when she first joined the network. “I show up at Dateline and suddenly I’m in first grade and everybody else is a senior in high school,” she said in a 2022 episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna. “And I realized that when I thought I was top of my game, I had a whole new thing to learn.”
Becoming a Staple on Today
Kotb’s biggest career breakthrough came in September 2007, when NBC expanded Today to four hours. She became one of the co-hosts of the new fourth-hour segment, alongside Ann Curry and Natalie Morales.
However, it was her partnership with Kathie Lee Gifford that truly became legendary. After Gifford replaced Curry and Morales, the duo quickly became a fan-favorite team. Their chemistry and lighthearted approach to the news, often accompanied by a glass of wine, made the fourth hour of Today a must-watch for viewers.
For 11 years, Kotb and Gifford shared countless laughs and memorable moments. Even after Gifford’s departure, Kotb continued to shine on Today, eventually co-hosting with Jenna Bush Hager.
Stepping Away for Family
Though she loved her job, Kotb’s priorities began to shift as she entered a new chapter of her life. After turning 60 and reflecting on her journey, she made the difficult decision to leave Today. She explained that her daughters, Haley and Hope, deserved more of her time, and she wanted to be present for them during their formative years.
Her decision, though bittersweet, was met with widespread support. Fans and colleagues alike praised her for choosing to focus on her family while celebrating the incredible legacy she built in journalism.
While Kotb may have stepped away from morning television, her impact remains undeniable. Her warmth, professionalism, and trailblazing career continue to inspire journalists and viewers alike, proving that success in broadcasting is not just about delivering the news—it’s about making meaningful connections with audiences.
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