Hoda Kotb announces her departure from the Today show after 17 years to focus on her children

TV Host Hoda Kotb Made a Shocking Announcement September 26: She’s leaving Today’s show after almost two decades. Kotb, 60, announced the news in a letter to staff.

“As I write these lines, my heart is everywhere,” the journalist wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision. And you are all the reason. They say two things can be good at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.

The longtime journalist explained her reasons for leaving, adding: “My career in broadcasting has been more than meaningful, a new decade of my life awaits me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve more a lot of my time. I’m going to miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.

Today’s show The host isn’t leaving yet, fans will still see her on their TV screens until early 2025. She will also continue to work behind the scenes at NBC.

“With happiness and gratitude, I intend to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have been fortunate to hold close to my heart.”

Kotb co-anchors Today alongside Savannah Guthrie – the two made history as the show’s first-ever female co-host pairing. Kotb also co-hosts Today’s Fourth Hour with Jenna Bush Hager.

“I’ll be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be part of mine,” Kotb concluded.

The children in question that the host wants to spend more time with are Haley Joy, 7, who she adopted in 2017, and Hope Catherine, 4, who she adopted in 2019. After being diagnosed with With breast cancer in 2007, Kotb was unable to conceive. . Both girls were adopted by her former fiancé Joel Schiffman.

It seems the famous journalist has been preparing for this moment, considering she recently moved to a house in the suburbs so the girls could have more space and experience more traditional childhood adventures. She also explained that her daughters are excited to have their own space and have fun items like individual beds, reading chairs and beanbags.

“I want my kids to feel the grass on their feet, play in the yard, ride their bikes in the street, and go up and down the stairs,” she told PEOPLE in an interview about the move. “I just see this life for them in this perfect home in this beautiful little town where I know they will be able to blossom into beautiful, independent, strong women.”