Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Leaving “Today” Due to Daughter’s Health
Hoda Kotb has revealed that her 6-year-old daughter Hope’s Type 1 diabetes played a major role in her decision to step away from the “Today” show. While guest-hosting on May 28, Kotb shared that caring for Hope, who requires constant monitoring and daily insulin shots, led her to re-evaluate her priorities.
“You get a priority check,” Kotb said. “I can be here worrying, or I can be with her and feel at peace.”
Savannah Guthrie noted Kotb often came to work without sleep after tending to Hope all night. Though Kotb emphasized her exit wasn’t solely due to Hope’s condition, she told People and TODAY.com that being present for her kids, especially during health challenges, became essential.
Kotb officially left the show in January after announcing her decision in September. She later told USA TODAY that the move didn’t feel like a loss: “I have everything I want.”
She denied rumors she would replace Kelly Clarkson, saying the only place she’d return to is “Today.”