Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie Stand by Kristen Dahlgren
A year after Kristen Dahlgren made the choice to leave NBC News to dedicate her efforts towards developing breast cancer vaccines, the journalist continues to receive encouragement from her Today show family.
“I miss everyone dearly, but their support has been incredible,” Dahlgren, 52, shared exclusively with Us Weekly at the “It’s Up to Us” women’s health event on Saturday, May 3. “Hoda [Kotb] was a true guiding light for me throughout my journey with breast cancer, showing how to handle it with grace. Savannah [Guthrie] remained in touch while I was home, unable to come to work, and her concern meant so much.”
In 2019, Dahlgren was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation, she joyfully declared herself cancer-free in late April 2020.
Almost four years later, the journalist announced her departure from NBC News to co-found the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, a group focused on accelerating research for breast cancer vaccines.
“My diagnosis shifted my worldview, leading me to reprioritize. My family is my top priority, but I also feel a strong desire to assist others,” Dahlgren explained to Us while wearing a pink outfit from Amanda Uprichard and L’agence. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating a better world for my little girl, who just turned nine and is my greatest joy. I want to prevent her and her peers from facing the challenges I encountered.”
Reflecting on her Today show family, Dahlgren praised her colleagues and friends for their transparency regarding their cancer experiences.
Al Roker shared his journey with prostate cancer in 2020, while Craig Melvin mourned his brother Lawrence Meadows, who passed away in 2020 after battling stage 4 colon cancer for many years.
In recent times, Today’s Jill Martin opened up about her own experience with breast cancer and has been active in raising awareness regarding BRCA gene mutations.
“They all truly understand, just like every person in America who has loved someone affected by cancer,” Dahlgren stated. “With one in three of us expected to face cancer, my Today crew supported me immensely. When I reached out to the executive producer asking for a Disney princess wig because of my baldness, she replied, ‘You go do whatever makes you happy.’ Their kindness was heartwarming.”
Five years post-cancer, Dahlgren admits to grappling with daily concerns about recurrence.
However, she remains optimistic about the advancements being made for current and future patients.
Nathan Congleton/NBC Hoda Kotb’s time on the Today show has been filled with countless memorable moments. The well-known TV personality disclosed in September 2024 that she would be stepping away from the iconic morning show, marking the end of 26 years with NBC, including 16 years as a co-host and seven years alongside Savannah Guthrie. “Having just turned 60, it’s time for a new chapter,” she remarked.
“Our goal is to instill hope for a cancer-free future,” Dahlgren stated while co-hosting a women’s health event with Adrienne Maloof. “While some may perceive this as an unrealistic dream, it’s closer to reality. We have vaccines that can train the immune system to combat cancer.”
Through her involvement with the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, Dahlgren and her team have gathered leading breast cancer specialists and vaccine researchers worldwide, focusing on developing vaccines for both treatment and potential prevention.
“We must advocate for improved treatments. Funding is essential, and we need to push the government for financial support,” Dahlgren emphasized. “With this commitment, a brighter, cancer-free future is achievable, and not just a distant hope.”
