Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on NBC’s ‘Today,’ 2024.
Image NDZ/Star Max/GCSavannah Guthrie not surprised by the cohost Hoda Kotb‘s decision to leave it Today show.
“Hoda and I have had this discussion for years and years,” Guthrie, 52, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Project Healthy Minds 2nd Annual World Mental Health Day Gala at Spring Studios in New York City on Friday, October 10. Actually we are in the same phase of life.
Guthrie understood why Kotb, 60, chose to prioritize his family, adding, “We have this little boy, so we both feel lucky that we have to do it later. It makes a lot of sense to me whether he has decided.
After hosting a talk show with Kotb since 2018, Guthrie is preparing for the next chapter Today without his friend.
“I’m very sad for me and for the show because – for me – he’s irreplaceable. I like him as a friend,” Guthrie said. “I just think she’s so creative and brave and stepping out into this amazing new future she doesn’t know exactly what it’s going to look like. She believes in herself and she knows it and she hears that call. I find that incredible.
Kotb’s career at NBC News spanned nearly three decades after his previous stint at Dateline. They are cohosting Today with Guthrie following Matt Lauerexit. He also hosts the third hour with Kathie Lee Gifford then Jenna Bush Hager.
“I realized it’s time to turn the page at 60, and try something new. It’s the right time for me to move on,” Kotb announced the news last month, citing his children, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as the motivation for the decision. “We love you so much and no one wants to imagine this place without you.”
Kotb clarified that he is not leaving NBC entirely.
The news of Hoda Kotb’s exit from Today’s show is bittersweet for her friends. “I just turned 60 years old, and it was a monumental moment for me when I turned 60 because I started thinking about the decade, like what does the decade mean? What does it contain? What will it hold for me?” Kotb, (…)
“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been by my side on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at seven o’clock, sixteen at ten o’clock,” he continued. “I picture your face and family and all the ways you have lifted me up and inspired me. My heart sings. So many professional relationships that have become my dearest friends.”
Savannah Gutherie and Hoda Kotb wearing Ralph Lauren, attend the Ralph Lauren Team USA celebration on July 27, 2024.
Darren Gerrish/WireImage for Ralph LaurenHe concluded: “Savannah: my rock. Jenna: ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend on 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders,” he said. “I’m going to miss everyone at TODAY so much.”
Guthrie said us how he first found out about Kotb’s coming out, shared, “It was Monday before the world knew and he called me because I had the day off and I was traveling. He called me and the first thing I said was, ‘I’m proud of you. I love you, you’re amazing. And no matter where we sit, we’ll always be on the other side.'”
Before Kotb officially signed on in January 2025, Guthrie described how their connection was strengthened on screen.
Hoda Kotb often talks about how the people she loves have defined her life – especially her daughters, Haley and Hope. The Today anchor became a mother when she adopted two children in 2017 and 2019, with her partner, Joel Schiffman. The former couple got engaged after six years of dating in 2019 (…)
“On the surface, it’s the same show and we’re still a news show where we cover the news and then do fun things at night. But I love the relationship and I love the partnership and I’m very proud of it. In many ways, it’s easy very,” she said. “It’s easy to love Hoda and it’s easy to trust Hoda. She’s an amazing journalist and a ray of sunshine. If you have to wake up at that hour, you want to wake up with Hoda. I hope that joy and partnership and trust spread and we will continue his legacy.
Guthrie also spoke about how she has prioritized important causes outside of the show – including the World Mental Health Day Gala.
“My children are still small. They’re 10 and 7 and we talk a lot about our feelings and our feelings are welcome in our home,” news anchor, who shares daughter Vale, 10, and son Charley, 7, with husband Michael Feldman, shared. “We’re not afraid of our feelings. Feelings are just information and not necessarily facts.”
He continued: “We are allowed to express our feelings and say what is in our minds and hearts. I try to live out and let them know that they are accepted and loved and embraced by me and my father and my family and by God. Like all parents, you have good moments and bad moments, but this is my goal.
With reporting by Andrew Nodell
