‘I Feel Like I’ve Been Dumped.’ Even Hoda Kotb’s Co-Stars Were Super Shook When She Announced Her Big Exit From The Today Show, And I Can See Why

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As a long-time viewer and admirer of The Today Show, I must confess that the news of Hoda Kotb’s departure has left me feeling a tad like a kid on the last day of summer vacation – filled with a mix of sadness, anticipation, and a hint of curiosity about what lies ahead.

As the 2024 TV schedule draws to a close, viewers are getting closer to wrapping up an era on “The Today Show”. For quite some time, popular co-host Hoda Kotb has announced her departure from NBC’s morning mainstay, which she shared back in September. Fans and colleagues alike have been expressing their emotions about Kotb’s decision, and it’s no surprise that Jenna Bush Hager and others were taken aback when they heard the news. Frankly, I can see why they would be affected too.

Jenna Bush Hager has generally been supportive, but also playfully teased her colleague Hoda Kotb on social media as Kotb prepares to leave Today. However, in a recent episode of her podcast Open Book, Hager expressed genuine surprise at the news of Kotb’s departure. During the conversation with Matt Rogers, she shared some heartfelt feelings about Kotb’s exit.

frankly, I was taken aback, taken aback indeed; I was caught off guard. I found out about it only a week ago. She informed me immediately after she’d made up her mind. Hoda is someone who does things in a way that I truly admire – she always listens to herself. Consequently, she makes decisions that might seem unexpected to others but are perfect for her. Now that I’ve had some time to think about it, I can see clearly why she did what she did.

Beginning in 2019, the Texas native has co-hosted “Today with Hoda & Jenna” with Kotb. Over these years, they’ve had their fair share of unforgettable moments. Given their tight bond, it’s no surprise that news about Kotb leaving might have been difficult for her on-screen partner to accept. Despite acknowledging the decision, Jenna Bush Hager couldn’t help but feel a specific emotion when she heard about what was happening:

When people say, “Oh, my goodness! Congratulations,” it’s as if they’re telling me, “I feel like I’ve been left at the altar.” Not exactly, because I understand she’s making a choice for herself. Still, there’s a slight crack in my heart.

It’s clear that Hoda Kotb didn’t take this professional step to let down her fellow team members. In conversations about her work and future, she’s made it known that she’s eager to explore new opportunities and spend more time with her young daughters. Former colleagues from Today have spoken out about her decision to move on as well. Savannah Guthrie, for instance, wasn’t taken aback by the news since she and Kotb had previously discussed the possibility of Kotb leaving. Carson Daly, too, expressed sadness but supported Kotb’s choice.

frankly speaking, the long-running morning talk show will undergo a significant change when Hoda Kotb departs at the start of 2025. It’s hard to envision how her co-hosts will adapt to this shift. On the positive side, Craig Melvin, a seasoned Today co-host, is set to step into Kotb’s role, ensuring some level of consistency. This news might provide a measure of comfort for Jenna Bush Hager as she grapples with feelings of being let go or “displaced” in some way.

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2024-12-10 01:07