When Is Hoda Kotb's Last Day on TODAY? All the Details
The longtime TODAY anchor's final day of work has been announced.
Hoda Kotb's last day as co-anchor of TODAY has finally been revealed, leaving fans anxiously counting down until her final appearance.
On September 26, the beloved star announced her impending departure from the hit morning show in an emotional live television moment.
"So I was doing the math and I realized that I have spent 26 years at NBC, 16 years on The Ten, and seven years with you. And I just turned 60," Kotb explained as she fought back tears. "And it was such a monumental moment for me when I turned 60 years old, because I started thinking about that decade. Like, what does that decade mean, what does it hold and what's it going to have for me? And I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new."
However, fans won't have to worry about Kotb being bored after she leaves the show. In October, she teased an exciting new venture she's about to embark on.
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"I have something that I am super excited about that's in its infancy," she revealed. "It's a whole wellness situation, and I got lit up by that just from stuff I've been working on and doing on myself. I've learned to do a bunch of different things with breath works and what not through friends, through Jenna [Bush Hager], through Maria [Shriver], through all these different people, and I've been loving it."
Of course, Kotb leaving TODAY frees her up to spend more quality time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope. We're sure her children can't wait to see their mom a whole lot more beginning in just a few days!
When is Hoda Kotb's last day on TODAY?
Mark your calendars: Friday, January 10, 2025 marks Kotb's last day as TODAY co-anchor. We have a feeling Kotb's final day — and week — on the show will be filled with unforgettable moments, plenty of laughter, and a lot of tears (the good kind) like her 60th birthday bash.
While Kotb is looking toward the future, there are still things she'll miss about the show she's been a part of for so many years. During her recent December 19 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Kotb revealed what aspects of her job she'll miss, and perhaps most importantly, what aspects she won't miss at all!
"The alarm going off at 3 a.m.?" Seth Meyers asked.
"No," she said matter-of-factly. "I will not miss that."
"Are you going to miss getting your morning weather report from Al Roker?" Meyers followed up.
"I'm still gonna get that — I'm texting Al," she quipped. "I'm gonna be like, 'What's up for my trip, what's up for my day?'"
Craig Melvin promoted to co-anchor of TODAY in 2025
News of Kotb's final day at work coincided with the announcement of her replacement: None other than TODAY's own Craig Melvin! It was a moment the 45-year-old, and his many fans, will never forget.
"The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause," his future co-anchor Savannah Guthrie revealed. "This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations."
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Melvin's first day is scheduled for January 13, 2025, giving the sometimes-babysitter plenty of time to prepare!
"I am beyond excited and grateful," Melvin said. "This is the latest in a long line of blessings."
Jenna Bush Hager searching for Hoda Kotb's replacement for the fourth hour of TODAY
Soon, TODAY with Hoda & Jenna will officially transition into TODAY with Jenna & Friends as Hager embarks on the search of a lifetime. In just a few days, beginning January 13, Hager will start to "audition" various co-hosts in hopes of finding a permanent partner to fill Kotb's shoes. It will add a fascinating dynamic to TODAY's fourth hour; we can't wait to see who volunteers their services for consideration!
As longtime viewers know all too well, co-hosting TODAY's fourth hour means more than just being a smiling face next to Hager. Kotb's replacement will also be asked to put on their acting shoes once or twice or a hundred times — and maybe even release an original Christmas song!
Originally published Nov 14, 2024.
