Today is going to be a lot different when Hoda Kotb officially leaves the show in early 2025. She’s been a huge part of the reason why viewers have continued to tune in to the talk show each morning, however, she believes it’s time to spread her wings. NBC has announced an official replacement for the host.
When Is Hoda Kotb’s Final ‘Today’ Broadcast?
Hoda’s final Today broadcast will be on January 10, 2025. Judging based on what we have seen when anchors have left in the past, including Katie Couric and Kathie Lee Gifford, it is sure to be an emotional sendoff with tons of surprises and a big celebration fit for a broadcasting legend.
Though it’s been a tearful time for Hoda and her colleagues, she has assured fans that she feels like leaving the show is ultimately the right thing to do.
“Weirdly, at that point, it was my only choice to me,” she said in October 2024 at a wellness retreat at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa. “I have everything I want. I’m not risking something. I have the love of my family. I have wonderful colleagues who will be my friends forever. I have it. So I didn’t feel like, ‘What am I losing?’”
Hoda shared that she wants to give her daughters, Haley and Hope, more of her undivided attention. She recently moved with the girls into a new home in the suburbs and is enjoying quiet life outside of the city.
“I’m going to take them to wherever they want to go,” the proud mom of two told E! News in October 2024 of the life she dreams of after Today. “I’m going to bring them home later. I’m going to fire up the BBQ. I don’t care what the temperature is, I love everything barbecued. I’m going to make burgers and salmon.”
Who Is Replacing Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’?
NBC announced that Craig Melvin would be replacing Hoda during the early morning hours of Today. That means he will become Savannah Guthrie’s official coanchor at the top of the show starting on January 13, 2025.
“You are literally made for this job,” Hoda told Craig after the promotion was announced. “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Still, NBC has not yet announced who will be replacing Hoda in the show’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager. Instead, they are renaming Today With Hoda & Jenna to Today With Jenna & Friends and will feature a rotating panel of guest cohosts until a permanent cohost is named.
“Everyone from Sheinelle Jones, who’s already a cohost on the show’s earlier hours, to E’s Justin Sylvester and actress and comedian Heather McMahan have come up,” an insider told Closer in November 2024. “It may be someone nobody expects, which could be good and shake things up.”
“Fortunately, Jenna will have some input in that choice, but the big bosses will make the final decision,” the insider added. “At this point, it’s still anyone’s guess.”
