When is Hoda Kotb’s last day TODAY? –NBC Chicago

Longtime TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb will soon appear on the show for her final time after announcing last year on live television that she planned to step away from her role.

A fixture on NBC News for nearly three decades, Kotb previously worked on “Dateline,” then as co-anchor of TODAY’s fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford and then Jenna Bush Hager.

Here’s what you need to know about his latest appearances as host:

When is Hoda’s last day?

Kotb will say goodbye to his morning duties this Friday, January 10.

Who replaces Hoda Kotb TODAY?

Craig Melvin, who has been with NBC News for nearly 14 years, takes the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie for the 7 and 8 a.m. times. It will begin on Monday January 13.

Why is Hoda leaving TODAY?

Kotb said she came to the realization while celebrating her 60th birthday on the show.

“I have news,” Kotb said, fighting back tears as co-anchor Savannah Guthrie held his hand. “So I was doing the math and I realized I spent 26 years at NBC. And I just turned 60.”

Kotb went on to say that her milestone birthday was a “monumental moment.”

“I started thinking about that decade,” Kotb said. “What is this decade going to mean, what is it going to mean for me, what is it going to mean for me? And I realized it was time for me to move on at 60 and try something new.”

She noted a specific moment when she knew she had to make a decision.

“I remember standing outside looking at this beautiful group of people with these beautiful signs, and I was like, ‘This is what the top of the wave looks like to me.’ And I thought it couldn’t get any better, and I decided it was the right time for me to move on.”

‘It’s time for me to leave the show’: Read Hoda’s full letter announcing her departure TODAY

Kotb added that her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, were factored into the decision.

“Obviously I had my children late in life and I thought they deserved a greater share of my time than I did,” she said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.”

“And so, all that being said, it’s the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb said, wiping away a tear.

What is Hoda Kotb doing after TODAY?

Kotb said she plans to stay in the “NBC family” but did not elaborate.

What do his colleagues say?

During Kotb’s announcement on live television, Guthrie, holding back tears of his own, responded by saying “we don’t want to imagine this place without you.”

“You have so much courage. You inspire me,” Guthrie said. Guthrie quietly added that she also dreams bigger for herself.

Jenna Hager Bush, sitting across from Guthrie, told Kotb “It’s not over” as she held a tissue in her lap.

“You don’t leave your family,” Kotb replied.

As the emotional moments continued, Guthrie took a moment to try to clear things up.

“I have to let people know that she is not leaving the NBC family,” Guthrie said. “You will see it and we will see it.”

Guthrie then looks Kotb in the eye. “Right? You told me, didn’t you?” Gurthrie said.

“Yes,” Kotb agreed. “I promise.”

Guthrie concluded by calling Kotb the “sun” of the show.

“We love you enough that you’re going to shine right after your dreams and find that next chapter,” Guthrie said. “We can’t wait to see what you do. We’ll be right there waiting for you.”

Read Hoda Kotb’s letter

Kotb also shared an emotional letter with TODAY staff on September 26, about his decision to resign, TODAY.com reported.

The full letter can be found below:

To my family TODAY,

As I write this, my heart is all over the place. I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision. And you are all the reason. They say two things can be good at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.

My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you have been by my side in this adventure of twenty-six years. In hindsight, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven to seven, sixteen to ten. I imagine your faces and your families and all the ways you have raised and inspired me. It’s my heart that sings. Many of my professional relationships have become some of my most treasured friendships. Savannah: my rock. Jenna: My ride or death. Al: My oldest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you desperately TODAY.

I’ve been thinking about this decision for a while: am I really ready? But celebrating my sixtieth birthday on the Plaza felt like a change. Like a massive and joyful YES, you are! I saw everything very clearly: my career in broadcasting has been more than significant, a new decade of my life awaits me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a greater share of my time. I’m going to miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.

As I will be working until early 2025, I have plenty of time to talk about what lies ahead for us all. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything will be fine. The peacock’s feathers are never ruffled… no matter who comes or who comes. TODAY and its extraordinary people – all of you – never waver. You always face changes with grace and courage.

Fortunately and gratefully, I intend to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be part of mine.

Love,

Hoda