Fans of NBC’s Today show were surprised and worried when beloved host Hoda Kotb was absent from Wednesday’s episode.
Jenna Bush Hager, her co-host, informed viewers that Hoda was not feeling well and was on sick leave.
In place of the 59-year-old host, correspondent Sheinelle Jones, 45, who is well-respected in the broadcasting community, stepped in seamlessly to co-host the show with Jenna.
Hoda’s absence was immediately addressed, assuring viewers of her return, although no specific return date was announced.
Hoda Kotb was missing from Wednesday’s Today Show
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What Hoda Kotb Said About Plans For Baby Number Three As She Shares A Cryptic Message About ‘Miracles’Jenna, 41, warmly introduced Sheinelle, expressing her happiness to have her on the show, and shared, “Hoda is feeling a little down, but she’ll be back.”
Sheinelle added her concern, noting that she had felt Hoda’s nausea the day before and wished her a speedy recovery, saying, “Feel better, Hoda.”
© Instagram Hoda Kotb’s daughter Hope pictured mid-hairdo at their family home ahead of her first day of school
Jenna humorously pointed out to viewers that Hoda probably won’t be watching the series from her sickbed, assuring them: “She’s not watching. I can promise you that.”
Fans, missing Hoda’s presence, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to send their well wishes and messages of concern. Many messages poured in, with viewers expressing sentiments such as: “I hope @hodakotb is relaxed and feeling better today” and “I miss @hodakotb when she’s not around.”
© NBCHoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager in the Today Show studio
Hoda’s journey with NBC’s Today show began in 1998 when she joined as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. She co-hosted The Fourth Hour with Kathie Lee Gifford from 2008 to 2019, before Jenna joined her as a current co-host.
Hoda’s unexpected absence from the screen is not a unique event; seven months ago, she suddenly disappeared, causing concern among viewers. It was later revealed that her four-year-old daughter, Hope, was dealing with a serious health problem that led to her hospitalization.
The hospitalization included an intense period of more than a week in the intensive care unit of a New York hospital in late February.
Hoda’s youngest daughter was in intensive care
The specifics of Hope’s condition have remained under wraps, but Hoda has occasionally shared updates on her daughter’s progress and condition, thankfully revealing that Hope is “on the mend.”
After Hope’s recovery, life seems to be returning to normal for Hoda and her family, with her daughters, Hope and Haley, six, returning to school. Hoda even took a short break from filming to personally drive her daughters to their first day of school.
However, when it comes to her current illness, Hoda has been relatively private, choosing not to share any details about her condition. Until her unexpected absence, she actively participated in the recording of episodes all week.
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Source: HIS Education