Hoda Kotb wore a very significant piece of jewelry to announce her departure from Today show.
On Thursday, September 26, the host shared the news that she was leaving her post after 17 years to spend more time with her daughters, Haley Joy, 7, and Hope Catherine, 4.
In a letter to the staff of the NBC morning show, Kotb, 60, said in part: “My television career is more than meaningful, a new decade of my life is upon us, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve the most. I will miss you desperately. , but I’m ready and excited.”
The broadcaster also gave an emotional speech on air on Thursday morning, during which she wore her main piece of jewelry – a gold necklace with an “M” pendant.
While answering fan questions on the January 2022 episode of the show TodayKotb shared the special meaning behind the necklace.
“‘M’ stands for Mom,” she said.
She also pointed out the other two necklaces she’s wearing, explaining, “I have ‘Haley’ and ‘Hope’ on (one of them). Then I have ‘I love you mom’ on this one. They’re all my girls.”
Hoda Kotb on “Today” in January 2022.
TODAY with Hod and Jenna/YouTube
Hoda Kotb announces that she is leaving Today Show after 17 years that focused on his children: ‘Right decision, but painful’
When co-host Jenna Bush Hager asked, “Do you feel like ‘Mom’ is the best title?” Kotb was quick to agree.
“It’s ‘M’ so me,” she said. “That would be the initial I would want to wear if not my children’s initials. Because who knew I would wear that initial?”
Unable to conceive after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, Kotb adopted her daughter, Haley, in 2017. In 2019, she adopted her second daughter, Hope. She shares both girls with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.
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Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show, September 26, 2024.
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In her letter to NBC staff, Kotb admitted that her “heart is all over the map.”
“I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision,” she continued in the statement. “And you’re all the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”
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She also shared that she will remain in her current role until early 2025 and will remain online in some capacity in the new year.
“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest business relationship I’ve been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart,” Kotb wrote.
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