Hoda Kotb’s Today Exit: Who Could Take Her Place as Co-Anchor?

The announcement of Hoda Kotb’s departure from The Today Show has rocked the television world, leaving fans and colleagues alike shocked and emotional. After 26 years with NBC, the beloved anchor revealed her decision to step down from her role as co-anchor of the show. With her exit, many are wondering who will take over the prestigious seat beside Savannah Guthrie. Let’s break down Hoda’s exit and the possible candidates who could step into her shoes as co-anchor.

Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Farewell

Hoda Kotb’s announcement was heartfelt and emotional, marking the end of an era for The Today Show. She shared that her decision came after a period of reflection, particularly during her 60th birthday. “I remembered standing outside looking at this beautiful bunch of people with all these gorgeous signs, and I thought, like, this is what the top of the wave feels like for me,” Hoda said. “It can’t get better. And I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”

Hoda’s 60th birthday was a pivotal moment in her life, and it led to her decision to leave the anchor desk after more than two decades of work on The Today Show. She mentioned that it was a time of renewal for her, feeling like she was “blooming” and “repotting,” a metaphor she used to describe this new phase of her life.

While her departure was a personal decision, Hoda also cited her family as a major factor. A move to the suburbs and the health crisis of her daughter last year were key elements in her decision to spend more time with her loved ones. Hoda admitted that after having her children later in life, she felt they deserved more of her time, and the pressures of balancing family and career made this decision even more crucial.

Emotional Reactions from Co-Hosts and Colleagues

Hoda’s departure has deeply affected her co-anchors and colleagues, especially Savannah Guthrie. Savannah, who has worked alongside Hoda for years, was visibly emotional upon hearing the news. In an exclusive interview, Savannah expressed her mixture of “despair and joy,” saying she was proud of Hoda’s decision and excited for the next chapter in her life. “She’s such an inspirational person,” Savannah remarked, clearly saddened by the departure of her close friend but also happy for her to embark on a new journey.

Even other NBC personalities were deeply moved by the news. Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today’s Third Hour, was seen crying when Hoda told her the news. She revealed that her father, former President George W. Bush, initially thought something tragic had happened, due to the emotional nature of her phone call. However, after learning the reason behind Hoda’s decision, he reassured her that Hoda was simply moving on to something great.

As Hoda prepares to step away from her co-anchor role, she will remain with NBC in a new capacity, though the specifics of her future role are yet to be revealed. She will continue making appearances on various Today segments, and there’s speculation that she may be involved in radio programming for Sirius XM as well. Regardless of her new role, Hoda’s impact on The Today Show and NBC is undeniable, and her legacy will continue.

The Big Question: Who Could Replace Hoda Kotb?

With Hoda’s exit comes a crucial question: Who will replace her as co-anchor of The Today Show? The search for her replacement is already underway, and several potential candidates have been suggested. Among them, one name stands out as the most likely successor: Craig Melvin.

Craig Melvin, a long-time anchor and host on NBC, has been with The Today Show for nearly seven years. He currently hosts Today’s Third Hour and has established himself as a trusted and reliable presence on the network. After Hoda’s announcement, Craig shared his thoughts on her decision, expressing support and admiration for his dear friend. “She’s one of the best humans that I know,” he said, adding that while they were all surprised by the news, they were excited to see Hoda’s next chapter unfold.

Craig’s experience on The Today Show and his rapport with both Savannah Guthrie and the audience make him a natural choice for the co-anchor position. He has already demonstrated his ability to handle a variety of segments, from hard-hitting news to lighter, more fun features, and he has the charisma and charm that viewers have come to expect from The Today Show.

Other Possible Candidates

While Craig Melvin is the frontrunner, there are other potential candidates who could also step into Hoda’s shoes. One possibility is Al Roker, the beloved weather anchor, who has been a mainstay on The Today Show for decades. Al has an undeniable connection with viewers and has proven his ability to take on a wide range of roles within the show. Though he currently serves as the weather anchor, Al’s warm and approachable style could make him a strong contender for the co-anchor role.

Another possibility is Jenna Bush Hager, who currently co-hosts the third hour of The Today Show. Jenna has become a fan favorite and has built a strong rapport with the audience. Her background as a former First Daughter and her engaging personality could make her a good fit for the co-anchor position. Plus, her emotional response to Hoda’s departure shows just how deeply invested she is in the Today family.

The Future of The Today Show Without Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb’s departure marks the end of a significant era for The Today Show. She has been a central figure on the show for over two decades, and her presence has been beloved by viewers. While the show will undoubtedly miss her warmth, humor, and relatable style, The Today Show is known for its ability to evolve and adapt to changing times.

The new co-anchor will have big shoes to fill, but the Today team is known for its camaraderie and ability to deliver excellent content. Whoever takes on the role will need to bring a combination of professionalism, warmth, and relatability—qualities that Hoda personified throughout her career.

Looking Ahead: Hoda Kotb’s Next Chapter

As Hoda steps away from the anchor desk, she is not leaving the world of television altogether. Hoda’s decision to move on from The Today Show is not about retiring, but rather about shifting her focus to new projects and opportunities. Whether she’s involved in new programming, radio, or other creative endeavors, there’s no doubt that Hoda will continue to inspire and entertain her fans in the years to come.

Her departure is a reminder that even the most iconic television personalities eventually face changes in their careers. While it’s hard to imagine The Today Show without Hoda, the future of the show is bright, and it will undoubtedly continue to be a leading force in morning television.

As the search for her replacement unfolds, fans can look forward to the next chapter in the history of The Today Show, while also wishing Hoda the best as she embarks on her own new adventure.