Hoda Kotb’s Most Unforgettable and Heartfelt Moments on the Today Show
Hoda Kotb’s journey on the Today show was marked by numerous unforgettable moments.
The beloved TV host announced her departure from the iconic morning show in September 2024, concluding 26 remarkable years at NBC—16 of which she spent as a Today cohost, and 7 years alongside Savannah Guthrie as her co-anchor.
“I just turned 60, and it was such a pivotal moment for me. I found myself reflecting on what this decade means and what it might bring,” she shared during a broadcast. “I realized it was time for me to embrace a new chapter as I enter this new decade.”
Kotb elaborated that her daughters, Haley and Hope—whom she welcomed with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman—significantly influenced her decision to leave Today. “Having my children later in life made me think they deserve more of my attention,” she explained. “We have limited time, and this was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Before her last episode in January 2025, Kotb disclosed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she was working on a new wellness app and company, featuring retreats and a podcast, all designed around activities she loves. “It’s not just a vacation with friends; it’s about transformational experiences,” she said.
Scroll down to revisit some of Kotb’s most significant—and emotional—Today show moments:
Becoming a Mom
Kotb emotionally announced the adoption of her eldest daughter, Haley, during a February 2017 episode of Today, sharing a touching photo of her newborn alongside her cohosts.
“She is the joy of my life,” Kotb joyfully told her colleagues, prompting tears from Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford.
“My mom is here with me… [she] says, ‘Hello, Miss Haley. We’ve been waiting so long for you,’” Kotb shared.
Anniversaries and Reunions
During her maternity leave, Kotb celebrated her 9th anniversary as cohost of Today’s fourth hour with Gifford in April 2017. “On this monumental ninth anniversary, I want to express how deeply you’ve impacted my life, Kath,” she called in to share. “I love you madly.”
Her heartfelt words brought Gifford to tears, who playfully responded, “I think she said, ‘I love you!’ Let’s hope that’s what she said.”
Later that month, Kotb became emotional again during her first episode back from maternity leave. “I’ve never felt this happy,” she said as she reached for a tissue box.
Making History
Kotb became Guthrie’s coanchor in January 2018 after Matt Lauer was dismissed due to sexual harassment allegations. This marked a historic milestone as they became the first female co-anchor duo in Today history.
“This is the best decision NBC News has ever made, and I couldn’t be happier,” Guthrie exclaimed during their inaugural episode together, praising Kotb as her partner, friend, and sister.
Kotb reciprocated: “I wouldn’t want to be sitting next to anyone else in 2018 other than you.”
Mother of 2
Echoing her previous announcement, Kotb called into Today in April 2019 to share the delightful news of adopting her daughter, Hope. As before, Bush Hager was overcome with joy, adding to the emotional atmosphere among the Today team.
“You feel like you finally have what you deserve, and I’m ecstatic she has arrived,” Kotb said, mentioning that Haley was excited to be a big sister.
“Joel and I were with her when they handed us the baby, and it was like witnessing a live birth. In that moment, I felt my heart expand tenfold—what an incredible feeling!”
Willie Geist humorously remarked on Kotb’s tearful moment by saying, “I’ve been passing out tissues, but it seems I’ll need a mop.”
Put a Ring on It
Kotb continued to share significant life updates on Today when she revealed her engagement to Schiffman during a November 2019 episode. “A friend of ours has asked me to share a secret,” she teased. “Her initials are Hoda Kotb, and she’s engaged!”
This announcement brought sheer excitement, with her cohosts jumping up in celebration and showering her with hugs. “You’ve got two built-in flower girls,” Al Roker joked, while Bush Hager chimed in, “Who, Savannah and me?”
Getting Serious
In March 2020, during an episode of Today, Kotb got emotional as Drew Brees announced a $5 million donation for COVID-19 efforts in Louisiana. The pair shares a unique bond with New Orleans, where Brees played for the NFL team, and Kotb began her career in local news.
“I’m sorry,” she said as she fought back tears after the segment. Guthrie tried to comfort her, stating, “I know this is overwhelming, Hoda. Take a moment.”
End of a Romance
Bush Hager supported Kotb as she disclosed during a January 2022 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna that she and Schiffman had called off their engagement. “We’ve decided that we’re better as friends and loving parents than as an engaged couple, so we’re entering this new year with that in mind,” she shared.
“Sometimes, relationships are meant for a reason, a season, or a lifetime; ours was for a season,” she reflected, admitting difficulty in announcing the news.
Bush Hager reassured her cohost, saying, “You are incredibly strong, and I admire that.”
Kotb concluded by expressing her appreciation for Schiffman: “[Joel is] a great guy—a kind, loving person, and I feel fortunate to have spent these eight years with him.”
Hope’s Health Scare
Kotb was noticeably missing from several episodes of Today in early 2023 due to a health scare involving her daughter, Hope. Upon her return in March, she revealed, “Hope had been in the ICU for a few days and hospitalized for over a week.”
She expressed, “I’m so thankful she’s home… I was eagerly anticipating this moment. We’re keeping a close eye on her, and I’m overjoyed.”
Personal Life Ups and Downs
In October 2023, Kotb became emotional discussing the challenges of going through “a divorce and battling breast cancer at the same time” on an episode of Hoda & Jenna. She fought breast cancer in 2007, coinciding with her split from ex-husband Burzis Kanga.
“I remember feeling barely functional during that time, wondering, ‘Is this all there is?’” she recalled. “I realized how much my health deteriorated, and I hadn’t paid attention to that aspect, which only seemed to worsen.”
Celebrating Partnerships
Kotb expressed her deep appreciation for her friendship with Bush Hager, celebrating their 5th anniversary as cohosts of Hoda & Jenna in April 2024. “We began as colleagues and evolved into something profound over these five years,” she said. “Ours is a friendship that continues to grow.”
She delivered heartfelt thanks to Bush Hager for guiding her along a path of healing, expressing, “Every experience in our lives is part of a greater plan.”
Getting Sentimental
Hoda became emotional as she reflected on her father, Abdel Kader Kotb, on what would have been his 91st birthday, particularly on how he would interact with her daughters today. “I often wonder about him with my girls,” she confided in Bush Hager during a May 2024 episode of Hoda & Jenna. Bush Hager poignantly added that he would undoubtedly be “so proud” of Hoda and her daughters.
60th Birthday Celebrations
The Today team honored Hoda’s milestone birthday with a special episode, where Guthrie surprised her with familiar figures from earlier heartwarming stories. The emotional reunion brought many tears and flowers.
Additional tears flowed during her birthday episode of Hoda & Jenna when Bush Hager presented Hoda with an artwork created by former President George W. Bush. “This is overwhelming,” a visibly touched Hoda exclaimed, grateful for the heartfelt gift.
Starting a New Chapter
“Hoda, you are loved dearly. Looking around, these tears are a testament to that love,” Guthrie told Hoda after she shared her exit announcement in September 2024. “It’s bittersweet because we care deeply for you and cannot imagine this space without you. I am incredibly proud of my friend.”
Guthrie further commended Hoda for her courage in choosing to “leave while on top, to pursue even greater dreams.”
Bush Hager kept the emotions flowing during Hoda & Jenna, telling Hoda: “You are my anchor during times of joy and uncertainty. You believed in me first. I’ll never forget that invitation you extended on October 28, 2013—‘Wanna sit next to me? There’s space.’”
Kotb encouraged Bush Hager, emphasizing, “It’s your turn to shine, and whoever takes this seat has an easy job, being next to you.”
Time to Say Goodbye
On her last episode of Today in January 2025, Kotb was surrounded by several celebrity friends, including Gifford, Jimmy Fallon, Gayle King, Simone Biles, and Maria Shriver. Bush Hager delivered an emotional tribute to Kotb on their final Hoda & Jenna episode, while Kotb read a heartfelt “love letter” to her loyal fans and supporters throughout her Today journey.
“I owe my growth and identity in this hour to you all,” she expressed in a deeply emotional video message. “As this chapter closes, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this incredible journey. I love you all.”
During her final send-off, Kotb’s daughters and numerous Today cast and crew members were present as she expressed gratitude to Hoda & Jenna’s executive producer, Talia Parkinson-Jones. “You’ve supported me and Jenna from day one; thank you so much,” she expressed warmly.
In her concluding moments on Today, viewers saw a clip of Kotb and her daughters departing from 30 Rock in her minivan, adorned with cans and a “Just Repotted” sign.
