After 17 years on the Today show and over three decades with NBC News, Hoda Kotb has announced her departure from the show, shocking viewers everywhere. The 60-year-old cited wanting to spend more time with her daughters as part of the reason why she’s stepping down, but other sources are saying that the real reason is Hoda didn’t get as big of a financial package in her contract as she was hoping. Keep reading for more information.
Hoda Kotb Announces Leave From 'Today'
On September 26, Hoda announced that she would be leaving the Today show in early 2025. "I realize it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new," Hoda explained in a video posted to her Instagram. "I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on... With all that being said this is the hardest thing in the world."
Hoda Kotb has been a fixture of the Today show for many years, first starting out as the solo host in September 2007. Kathie Lee Gifford joined as her co-host in April 2008, and after Kathie Lee stepped down in August 2019, Jenna Bush Hager, who will continue as the host of Today with Savannah Guthrie, stepped up.
Hoda will still be around, though. "Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I've been lucky enough to hold close to my heart," she said. "How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine."
Hoda's $20M Request Denied
What spurred this big decision? Hoda explained that there's a myriad of reasons, the main one being that she wants to spend more time with her daughters. "My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie," she explained. "I will miss you all desperately, but I'm ready and excited."
However, an insider told Closer that the real reason behind her departure is on the financial side. "Hoda was in contract negotiations but didn't get the money or the deal she wanted," the source explained. Reportedly, that amount $20M. For context, Hoda allegedly made $7M last year. "it's a warning shot to other big name stars and anchors that the days of huge contracts are over."
