Hoda Kotb Opens up About Her Decision to Leave the 'Today' Show

Even after stepping away from the daily television spotlight, a beloved broadcaster has found a deeper sense of purpose—and is now sharing what ultimately pushed her toward a new path.

Hoda Kotb's departure from NBC's "Today" in January 2025 marked the end of a high-profile chapter, but it was also the beginning of something more meaningful. After walking away from her role five months ago, Kotb has immersed herself in a life built around motherhood, personal wellness, and a clearer sense of joy, revealing for the first time the deeper reasons behind her decision.

Over the past several months, Kotb has embraced a vastly different lifestyle from her demanding television schedule. The early morning calls have been replaced with mindful rituals that include waking up at 4:30 a.m., journaling, and meditation.

She now walks her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 5, to school, spends time exploring new hobbies like tennis, and has even launched a new business, Joy 101. The wellness company, which features an app, subscription newsletter, and live events, is dedicated to themes of meditation, joy, and mindfulness.

Yet Kotb emphasizes that it's the small, everyday experiences that have transformed her the most. She explained how much she loved watching her daughter sing "What a Wonderful World" at 9:15 a.m.

"It's really cool to just realize that there's so much more to life," she said. "I wasn't able to bear witness to my kids' daily lives because of what I was doing."

The decision to leave her television role was deeply rooted in her desire to be more available for her family, especially after Hope's serious health scare in early 2023. When Hope was hospitalized for more than a week with undisclosed symptoms, Kotb took a temporary leave from "Today" to be by her side.

After returning to her hosting duties, she told viewers, "My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week. I'm so grateful she's home." She also revealed that the experience was "really scary" while speaking to co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Now, the truth has finally been revealed, as she told People that doctors diagnosed Hope with type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that requires continuous care and insulin injections.

Since the diagnosis, Kotb has been a hands-on caregiver, often waking up multiple times during the night to monitor Hope's blood sugar levels. "It's kind of constant care for Hope. We're monitoring her 24/7," she said.

The family initially managed up to five injections per day, though improved treatment methods have since reduced the frequency.

Despite the challenges, Kotb describes Hope as a vibrant, joyful child. "She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid," she said. "Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her. I hope it shapes her but never defines her."

Kotb also noted that although her daughter's medical needs were a major factor, they weren't the sole reason behind her departure. The decision had been building for some time.

She first announced her plans to leave the show in September 2024, shortly after her birthday. During an emotional on-air segment, Kotb explained, "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new."

Surrounded by fans during her birthday celebration, she described feeling as if she had reached the "top of the wave," and that it was the right moment to step away.

Also, managing family life and a prominent media career grew increasingly difficult. Kotb acknowledged that her desire to be present for her daughters was a significant factor in her decision to leave her job, though she didn't want them to feel responsible. Yet considering everything, the girls did play a role in that choice.

Her new work-from-home routine allows her to be constantly available, though she laughed that sometimes her daughters aren't so sure how they feel about it. "I think that on some days they love it and sometimes I think I might be cramping their style a little bit," she joked.

Daily life has taken on a new rhythm. Afternoons are packed with school pickups and after-school activities, like field hockey and bracelet-making for Haley, and lacrosse for Hope. In between, Kotb plays guitar, exercises, and socializes with neighborhood moms.

"I go on walks with the other moms from the burbs here after dinner and I love that. Things I didn't do before because I was too tired," she said.

What she treasures most is the emotional security her presence brings to her children. She described how they run up to her office window just to wave or make heart signs with their hands. "They're just happy to see me, and then they'll go off and play," she said.

Even bedtime has changed dramatically. No longer needing to sleep early for a morning broadcast, she now ends the day in bed with both daughters cuddled beside her.

"I sleep in the middle so there's no rolling over [...] but when I wake up and they're both nuzzled into me," Kotb added. "I'm thinking to myself like, 'Oh my gosh, look at me! I get to lay here with these two kids, and all they want to do is be as close to me as they can get.'"

Hoda Kotb's life after "Today" may lack the constant buzz of television cameras and studio lights, but it now revolves around the daily routines of motherhood, health management, and a renewed focus on personal well-being. Exactly what most people would wish for at the age of 60.