The Today show, NBC’s morning beacon that’s brightened American wake-ups for 73 years with 2.5 million daily viewers and a legacy of levity amid life’s lumps, has been plunged into a poignant twilight with the “bombshell” announcement that beloved co-host Hoda Kotb is stepping away after 16 years, her “emotional goodbye” a tear-stained testament to the era’s end that’s left fans “speechless” and the network navigating a “shocking” shift. On September 30, 2025, Hoda, 61, shared the news on the 7 a.m. hour, her voice a velvet quiver of quiet courage: “It’s time for me to say goodbye – this show’s been my family, my joy, my everything.” The revelation, amid whispers of contract clashes and a desire for “more mom moments” with daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5, marks the close of an “iconic era” that began with her 2007 Today debut alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and soared through 2020’s solo anchor role (3.8M viewers peak).
The “goodbye’s” grace? Gut-wrenching: Hoda’s journey – from Dateline digs to Today‘s dawn chorus – was a symphony of sincerity, her “mom guilt” a melody many mothers hummed. “You’ve been my sunrise – now I chase sunsets,” she said, tears tracing the lines of a face that’s faced floods (2017 miscarriage, 2019 adoption) with unflinching faith. Savannah Guthrie, her “sister in sunrise,” choked beside her: “Hoda’s heart is our heartbeat – this hurts, but her light lingers.” The “shocking” move? A seismic shift: NBC’s “fresh faces” push (Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones) clashes with Hoda’s “legacy lane,” her £5M salary a sticking point in 2025 negotiations. Fans? Flooded: #HodaForever racks 4.5M posts, “Don’t go!” vs. “Go glow!”
The “era over”? An elegy: Hoda’s Today triumphs – 2021 Olympics co-host (5M viewers), 2023 Making Space podcast (£2M downloads) – were a beacon of balance, her “everything” a everything to everyone. The “speechless” send-off? A spotlight on sacrifice, Hoda’s “time for me” a time for all to treasure the time.
This isn’t anchor adieu; it’s an anthem of appreciation, Hoda’s “goodbye” a grace note to gratitude. The light? Lingering. September 30? Not news – a new normal. Fans? Flooded with faith. The world’s watching – whispering “what next?” Today’s tomorrow? Tender, timeless.
