Hoda Kotb announces shock departure from TODAY live on air

Today legend Hoda Kotb has announced she will be leaving the show early next year after nearly three decades at the helm.

The long-time anchor, 60, shared the surprising update in a heartfelt message to her 'Today family' live on air on Thursday morning.

Hoda, who has been part of NBC News for 26 years, was immediately moved to tears as she explained to her fellow co-hosts turning 60 had been a 'monumental moment' that made her decide it was time to 'try something new'.

The TV icon - who reportedly earns $8 million a year - also wrote a letter explaining her 'painful' decision to her colleagues, explaining further that marking her 60th birthday sparked a seismic 'shift' in her life.

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

'My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you've been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News - Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o'clock hour, sixteen on the ten o'clock hour.'

She continued: 'I'm picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you've lifted me up and inspired me. That's my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.'

She went on to pay a heart breaking tribute to her 'ride-or-die' Jenna Bush Hager and claimed she will 'desperately' miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.

'Savannah: my rock,' she continued. 'Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest 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 at TODAY desperately.'

The TV star added that she has been thinking long and hard about the decision as she continued: 'I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while – Am I truly ready? But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. 

'Like a massive, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.

'Because I’ll be working through the beginning of 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what's ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure right now is this: everything’s going to be just fine. The Peacock’s feathers are never ruffled… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its amazing people — all of you — never waver. You always weather change with grace and guts.'

She concluded: 'Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.'

During her emotional announcement on Thursdays' show, the star sat holding hands with her co-anchors as she explained how a key part of her decision was down to her daughters, seven-year-old Haley and four-year-old Hope.

She stated: 'I had my kiddos late in life and I think that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie, we only have an infinite amount of time.'

The teary star apologized for the fact she was crying, admitting that she had been practicing her speech to avoid that outcome.

Her remarks were immediately swept aside by Savannah Guthrie, who shared her mixed feelings about the news.

'We don’t to imagine this place without you. So it’s complicated because we don’t want to see you to go,' she explained. 'But I am so proud of you, it takes so much guts to leave at the top.'

Jenna sobbed as she warned her co-host that she would still be coming to her house 'everyday', while Al Roker gushed that he has 'never known anyone like you'.

Hoda then promised she wouldn't become a stranger as she quipped: 'You don’t leave family so I am going to be haunting you forever.'