HEARTFELT FAREWELL: HODA KOTB BIDS ADIEU TO TODAY SHOW TO CARE FOR DAUGHTER HOPE’S HEALTH – A MOTHER’S DECISION TO FOCUS ON FAMILY OVER CAREER, LEAVING A LEGACY OF STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND INSPIRATION!

The world of Today will never be the same as Hoda Kotb announces her departure to devote herself fully to caring for her daughter Hope, who has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Fans, colleagues, and celebrities unite in honoring her extraordinary career and selfless decision to put family first. As Hoda shares her emotional journey of raising her children, she opens up about the challenges of balancing her career and the relentless fight for Hope’s health. Her decision to step away from the spotlight wasn’t easy, but her commitment to being there for her daughter in the face of an unexpected health battle has resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the full, emotional story as Hoda reflects on motherhood, the courage required to face this new chapter, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.

July 1, 2025 – New York City, New York

The morning routines on the Today show will never feel the same. A familiar, bright smile, and a warm heart will no longer greet millions of households each day. Hoda Kotb, who has been an irreplaceable part of the NBC News family for over a decade, has made the difficult yet loving decision to step down from her co-hosting role on Today. Her choice comes not from a fading career or a lucrative offer elsewhere, but from a deep, heartfelt commitment to the most important fight of her life—the fight for the health and future of her beloved daughter, Hope.

Hoda’s departure is not just the end of an era on television. It is a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman—one who has shown immense resilience, compassion, and the greatest form of love: the love of a mother. In this moment, we honor her contributions to the world, and the overwhelming dedication she has shown as a mother.

More Than a TV Host: The Symbol of Smile and Hope

Hoda Kotb was never just a face on the screen. She was the voice of sincerity, a source of positive energy, and a friend to her viewers. Since joining Today in 2007, and especially as a co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie, Hoda brought a unique style: a blend of compassion, natural humor, and a deep ability to connect with people. She helped us navigate countless historical events and personal milestones, celebrating joy and sharing in sorrow.

The viewers loved Hoda not just for her professionalism, but for her authenticity—her ability to share her personal struggles, from her breast cancer battle to her journey as a single mother through adoption. Her presence wasn’t just in the news; it was in our hearts.

“Hoda has this magical ability to make everyone feel heard, understood,” Savannah Guthrie, Hoda’s co-anchor and dear friend, tearfully shared during a poignant broadcast. “She’s not just my colleague; she’s my sister. She inspires me every day. Every morning with Hoda was a gift.”

The Heartfelt Confession of a Mother: The Battle for Hope and Type 1 Diabetes

The reason behind Hoda’s departure is not one of career decline or new opportunities. It is a call from the heart—a mother’s instinct to fight for her child. In recent months, rumors swirled about Hoda’s absences from the show, causing concern among her fans. Today, the heartbreaking truth has been revealed, and it’s even more devastating than anyone could have imagined.

“This decision has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I love my job, I love my Today family,” Hoda said, her voice trembling with emotion in a heartfelt farewell. “But there’s another fight happening, and I need to be on the front lines of that one.”

Hoda tearfully opened up about her youngest daughter, Hope, and the challenge she now faces. In early 2023, when Hope was just 4 years old, she was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, placed in the ICU. It wasn’t until May 2025 that Hoda gathered the strength to share the truth: Hope had been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

“When she was diagnosed, my whole world collapsed all over again,” Hoda said, tears streaming down her face. “I’ve fought cancer, I know what that fear feels like. But when it’s your child, the fear is a million times worse. Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease, with no cure. It requires constant care, 24/7.”

Hoda described their daily life as a relentless battle: “Every meal is a complicated calculation of carbohydrates. Every hour is a blood sugar check. Every injection of insulin is a brave act from my little girl. Hope needs insulin multiple times a day—four to five shots, or sometimes she wears an insulin pump continuously.”

Hope, at such a young age, has faced challenges no child should. And Hoda, as a single mother, knew that no one could care for her daughter better than she could.

“I couldn’t continue doing my job on-air while ensuring Hope got the care she needs every minute. I didn’t want her to feel alone, to feel like I wasn’t there when she needed me the most,” Hoda confessed. “I had to make a choice. And my heart as a mother told me to choose Hope.”

A Heartfelt Tribute: The Legacy of a Dedicated Woman

Hoda Kotb’s decision is a powerful testament to the boundless love of a mother. It’s also a reminder of the quiet sacrifices parents of children with chronic illnesses endure.

We, her fans, will never forget Hoda’s contributions—not just as a television host, but as a role model of strength, courage, and positivity. Her journey has inspired millions of women to get screened for breast cancer, to fight back against the disease, and to overcome adversity.

Her journey as a mother through adoption has opened doors for many families, showing that love has no limits. Becoming a mother through adoption was an incredible path, and Hoda has always shown that this is one of the most beautiful ways to build a family.

Her optimism and energy: Even in the face of personal struggles, Hoda’s ability to bring light and warmth to her audience was undeniable. Her smile radiated hope and her heart embraced all those who needed comfort.

Now, Hoda is entering a new role—a full-time, hands-on mother to Hope and Haley. While we will miss seeing her on screen every morning, we understand and respect her decision. She deserves this time with her family.

A Farewell and Well Wishes

To Hoda Kotb,

Thank you for everything. Thank you for the years you dedicated to Today, to your audience, and to the television industry. Thank you for the stories you’ve shared, the smiles you’ve brought, and the tears we’ve shed together. You’ve not only been a host; you’ve been a part of our family.

The journey ahead will be full of challenges, but we believe in your strength and love. We wish for Hope to remain healthy, happy, and always surrounded by your nurturing care. May you find peace and joy in this new role, witnessing your children grow, cherishing every precious moment with them.

We wish you and your family a lifetime of happiness, good health, and endless love. You will always be an inspiration in our hearts.

Goodbye, dear Hoda. May peace always be with you.

A Family United in Love

As the entertainment world absorbs this heart-wrenching news, one thing is clear: Hoda is not fighting alone. Fans, friends, and even strangers across the globe are sending their daily prayers, messages of love, and unwavering hope that this beloved MC will overcome the odds, just as she has before.

In a world that often feels divided, her courage has united millions in one powerful wish: that she may win this fight and once again grace the stage with her smile that has always been a light in people’s darkest days.