Hoda Kotb Teases Her Surprising Next Project After Today Departure — and It's Not in Journalism (Exclusive)

After 38 years of chasing stories and desk reporting, Hoda Kotb is turning the page on journalism as she looks toward a new chapter in her life.

At the end of September, Kotb surprisingly announced that she was leaving Today after 17 years to focus on her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Now, in her exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the longtime television host, 60, talks about the new project that is waiting for her at the end.

“I have something that I’m really excited about, and it’s still in its infancy.” Kotb says in this week’s cover story.

Hoda Kotb for PEOPLE magazine.

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“It’s the whole wellness situation, and it just made me shine because of the things I’ve been working on and working on myself,” she explains. “I learned to do a bunch of different things with breathing and whatnot through friends, through Jenna [Bush Hager]through Maria [Shriver]through all these different people, and I like that.”

The TV personality says it’s “still in the early stages” of getting “a really good wellness app together and doing wellness retreats and things like that.”

“I think it would be, for one, fun, and for two, useful,” continues Kotb. “When I learned some of these things, I thought, ‘Wait, why do I feel like my core value is less stressed? Why do I feel that way?’ So I talked about these things, so the more interested you are, the more you go down that path.”

While her new business venture is still “a work in progress,” she says “it’s something I’m excited to explore and see what’s out there.”

Hoda Kotb for PEOPLE magazine.

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On September 26, Kotb announced her departure to NBC staff in a moving letter before revealing her departure on air.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s painful. And you’re all the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel it deeply now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

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Hoda Kotb.

Brian Doben

Explaining her reasoning, Kotb added in part: “My television career no longer made sense, a new decade of my life is upon us, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve more of my time. I will miss you all desperately, but I am ready and excited.”

“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I’ve had the good fortune to hold close to my heart,” she added.

Kotb tells PEOPLE about his last day Today is “still figuring it out.” She will continue to participate Today with Gutherie and co-host TodayFourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager, until early 2025.

For more on Hoda Kotb, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

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Source: HIS Education