After more than two decades at NBC, Today show anchor Hoda Kotb is opening up about the emotional, complex journey that led to her decision to leave the iconic morning program—and the surprising reaction she received from her longtime friend and co-host, Al Roker.
In her new memoir, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, Kotb reflects candidly on the moments leading up to her departure, offering fans an intimate look at what really happened behind the scenes. One of the most unexpected anecdotes involves Roker himself, who, in classic Al fashion, handled the shocking news in a way only he could.
“When I finally told him I was leaving, he said, ‘OK, bye,’ and hung up,” Kotb wrote, according to Us Weekly. “He hung up on me! I thought, well, he sure got over that fast.” But moments later, Roker called her back, admitting that he was simply overwhelmed. “‘I was just so shocked,’ he said. ‘I couldn’t process what you were saying.’”
The story perfectly captures the warmth and humor that has defined the friendship between the two beloved broadcasters for years. Roker, known for his wit and playfulness, found himself momentarily speechless—a rare occurrence for the veteran weatherman. When he did call back, it became clear that his initial reaction stemmed not from indifference, but from genuine disbelief that Kotb, one of the show’s pillars, was truly moving on.
In the book, Kotb, 61, details how the day of her announcement began like any other. She woke at 3:30 a.m., showered, meditated, and journaled before heading to the Today offices. But beneath her calm routine, she carried what she described as a “crazy mix of emotions,” knowing she was about to deliver news that would change not only her career, but also her daily life.
Her first stop was the office of NBC News executive vice president Libby Leist, where Kotb lit candles and played Emilia Jones’ haunting rendition of “Both Sides Now” to prepare herself for the emotional conversation. Leist immediately sensed something was wrong. “When Libby walked in, she took one look at me and said, ‘Oh no,’” Kotb recalled. “And I just started talking.”
During that talk, Kotb explained that while she valued her career deeply, she knew it was time for a change. After 26 years with NBC—first as a Dateline correspondent in 1998 and later as a Today co-anchor—she felt the pull of her personal life becoming stronger. “I knew I’d have more financial security if I stayed,” she wrote, “but I had to think about my kids.”
Kotb, who became a mother later in life, adopted two daughters—Haley, 8, and Hope, 6—whom she credits as her greatest source of joy and motivation. “When you wait so long for children, you don’t want to miss your time with them,” she said.
Her decision to step away from Today earlier this year marked the end of an extraordinary era for the show. Viewers across the country expressed admiration for Kotb’s courage to prioritize family and self-growth—a theme at the heart of her new book.
Hoda Kotb’s journey reminds fans that change, even when daunting, can be a doorway to joy. And if Al Roker’s stunned reaction is any indication, her absence will be deeply felt—not only by colleagues, but by millions of viewers who have welcomed her into their homes for nearly two decades.
Leave a Reply