Key Takeaways
- Hoda Kotb reflects on her time on the Today show after stepping down in January 2025
- She is proud of her former co-hosts, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, for continuing the show’s success
- Kotb had served as the main co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie since 2018 and co-host of the fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager since 2007
- Sheinelle Jones was announced as Jenna Bush Hager’s new permanent co-anchor for the fourth hour, debuting on January 12
- Kotb made a surprise appearance on the debut episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, expressing her pride and satisfaction with the show’s continuation
Introduction to Hoda Kotb’s Reflections
Hoda Kotb is reflecting on her time on the Today show a year after stepping down from the long-running NBC News morning television show. After 17 years on the sofa, Kotb officially retired from Today in January 2025 to spend more time with her family. She had served as the main co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie since 2018 and as the co-host of the entertainment-focused fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager since 2007. In a recent interview with People, Kotb shared her thoughts on her time on the show and the new developments that have taken place since her departure.
A New Era for the Fourth Hour
Speaking to People, Kotb said she is "honored to have been one of the stewards" of the fourth hour, which is now helmed by Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones. She expressed her pride in watching Jenna Bush Hager, whom she had mentored, take on the challenge of hosting the show with a series of guest hosts throughout 2025. Kotb also praised Bush Hager’s ability to handle the ever-changing co-hosts, saying, "I think what is so touching to me is I watched Jenna as kind of a baby learn the ropes, and now, as a proud mom, I’m watching her, number one, carry [the show] for an entire year." Last month, Sheinelle Jones was announced as Bush Hager’s new permanent co-anchor, and the pair debuted their new show, Today with Jenna and Sheinelle, on January 12.
A Smooth Transition
Kotb told People how "satisfying" it is to watch Bush Hager and Jones continue the fourth hour. "And now, to watch Jenna and Sheinelle have a place where magic is reigniting again, to me, is one of the most satisfying feelings," she said. Kotb made a surprise appearance on the debut episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, alongside fellow former fourth-hour co-host Kathie Lee Gifford. She expressed her confidence in the show’s continued success, saying, "All you want is for the show to continue to be wildly successful. And by the way, I have not a shadow of a doubt that it is going to be wildly successful, so I feel proud." Kotb noted that she was "proud" to see how Bush Hager handled an entire year of ever-changing co-hosts, adding, "And now, to have a gentle place with such a pro like Sheinelle is going to be next level."
A New Chapter for Hoda Kotb
Kotb’s decision to step down from the Today show was likely not an easy one, but it has allowed her to focus on her family and personal life. Her departure marked the end of an era, but it has also paved the way for new talent and fresh perspectives. As Kotb looks back on her time on the show, she can take pride in the fact that she played a significant role in shaping the fourth hour into what it is today. Her legacy continues to live on through her former co-hosts, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, who are taking the show to new heights. As Kotb said, "I feel like a proud mom going, ‘Look at my girls. Look at them. They’re doing it.’ It’s like, you know when you watch your kid ride a bike? You’re like, ‘Oh my God, they can do it all on their own.’"
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, Hoda Kotb’s reflections on her time on the Today show offer a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in television. Her pride and satisfaction with the show’s continuation are a testament to her dedication and commitment to her craft. As the Today show continues to evolve and grow, it will be exciting to see how Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones shape the fourth hour into their own. With Kotb’s legacy as a foundation, the show is sure to remain a staple of morning television for years to come. As Kotb looks to the future, she can take comfort in knowing that she has left a lasting impact on the world of television and that her former co-hosts are carrying on her legacy with style and grace.