Hoda Kotb Forced Out of ‘Today’? The Truth Behind Her Exit

Renowned broadcaster Hoda Kotb’s recent exit from a popular talk show has caused mixed reactions. But it’s her reasons for leaving that are really sparking conversations online.

Journalist Hoda Kotb recently announced her decision to step down as co-anchor of the “Today” show, leading to widespread discussions on social media and fan forums.

Many viewers have expressed surprise at the sudden announcement, as Hoda has been a central figure on the show for years. Some fans speculate there may be behind-the-scenes drama, while others think it could be a personal decision.

TV personality Hoda Kotb, who co-anchored the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie for over five years, recently opened up about her journey during a live broadcast. Her full statement was later shared on the “Today” show’s Instagram page.

She said, “My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life, thanks to all of you. ‘Today’ and its amazing people never change—you all handle everything with grace and courage.”

In a letter, Hoda reflected on her 26-year career at NBC, which included ten years with “Dateline,” seven years on the 7 a.m. hour, and sixteen years on the 10 a.m. hour.She revealed that she had been thinking about this decision for a while, unsure if she was ready. However, her 60th birthday helped confirm that it was the right time to move forward.

Hoda talked about her meaningful career, nearly three decades long, and stressed the importance of spending more time with her daughters and her mother.

Although she will miss everyone, Hoda expressed excitement for the future and promised to continue working until early 2025, giving her time to discuss future plans with fans.

She assured viewers that the “Today” show team would continue to thrive, regardless of any changes. Hoda also expressed her gratitude to the NBC family, saying they would always have a special place in her heart.

Born in Egypt, Hoda has faced significant personal challenges throughout her career. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the treatment made it impossible for her to have children.

After surviving cancer, her marriage to tennis coach Burzis Kanga ended in divorce a year later. At the time, Hoda had accepted that she might never become a mother.

Despite that, Hoda always dreamed of motherhood. She thought about switching careers, possibly becoming a teacher or running a summer camp.

In 2017, Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, and announced the joyful news on the “Today” show, sharing her happiness with her colleagues.

Less than ten days after bringing Haley home, Hoda had already settled into the routine of bottle feedings, diaper changes, and laundry in her Upper West Side penthouse. She found a new kind of love she had never felt before.

In 2019, she expanded her family by adopting another baby girl, Hope Catherine. Haley happily embraced her role as a big sister.

In March 2023, Hoda’s family faced a health scare when Hope had to stay in the hospital for a week, including a few days in the ICU.

Hoda took time off work to care for Hope, and after returning, she expressed deep gratitude that her daughter was recovering. She mentioned that the recovery would take time but remained optimistic.

Hoda shares her two daughters with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, to whom she was engaged from 2019 until 2022. As a single mom, she now lives with her daughters in a suburban home, moving from her New York City apartment in March 2024.

Source: Getty Images

Moving to the suburbs was a hard decision, as Hoda had lived in the same apartment since adopting her daughters. But she felt the move would give her children new experiences, like playing in a yard and riding bikes in a safer, quieter area.

Turning 60 made Hoda reflect on her life, particularly the lessons of motherhood. She shared that her daughters showed her that anything is possible and helped her realize she is “good enough,” flaws and all.

Her daughters also taught her to find humor in challenges and reminded her that she was always meant to be a mother. As she grew older, Hoda felt that her children now deserved more of her time, which played a big role in her decision to leave the “Today” show.

However, some reports suggest another reason for Hoda’s departure. Allegedly, she left her $20 million-plus per year deal after NBC offered her a pay cut.

A media executive noted that this is part of a trend in TV news, where many are facing pay cuts or job losses. Since the news broke, people online have been actively discussing Hoda’s decision.

One user commented, “She made her millions. Now it’s time to spend them.” Another said, “Hoda is worth 30 million dollars. I’d quit too.”

Others showed support, with one person writing, “Your kids will love having more of you. Enjoy your newfound freedom.”

Hoda Kotb’s journey has been filled with challenges and successes, but her love for her family has always been her priority. As she moves into a new chapter, she focuses on what matters most—her daughters and their life together.

The World’s Hairiest Girl Is Now Grown Up, Happily Married and Rocks Her New Style After Shaving

A girl, once labeled “wolf girl” and “monkey face” by her peers, knew that her condition wouldn’t stop her from finding happiness. Eventually, she discovered the love of her life, and her story reveals the profound impact it had on her life.

Supatra “Natty” Sasuphan, once dubbed the world’s hairiest girl, faced ridicule and fear from her classmates due to her unique appearance.

A young girl with fur-like facial hair all over her face and arms, smiles in white dress.

On August 5, 1999, something important happened in Supatra’s family. Usually, when a new baby is born, parents feel really happy and excited. That’s how Supatra’s mom and dad, Sompon and Samrerng, felt when she was born.

But their happiness was mixed with surprise, fear, and disbelief because the doctor told them their baby had a lot of hair. At first, they thought it was normal, but when they saw her in the incubator, they were shocked by how much hair she had. Supatra’s hair covered almost her whole body, and even the doctors in Thailand had never seen someone like her.

Later on, doctors figured out that Natty had a very rare skin disease called Ambras syndrome. This condition is so uncommon that there have only been 50 cases like hers documented in the world since a long time ago.

Ambras syndrome causes excess body hair growth, sparing only the palms, soles, and mouth interior, likely due to a sudden DNA change.

A young girl looks at the camera, she's covered in fur-like hair on her face.

When Natty was born, and her mom wanted to leave the hospital, the doctors didn’t want to let her go because they were worried she might leave her child behind. Sompon told the doctor that she would never abandon her child, no matter what. She said“We are lucky that she was born into our family.”

Natty grew up in a loving family, but not everyone was understanding of her condition, and she had to deal with some unkindness from strangers and peers.

Close-up of a little girl looking sad, her face covered with fur-like hair.

As Natty grew up, her face remained hidden behind thick hair due to her incurable Ambras syndrome. Regular methods like laser removal couldn’t slow down her hair growth. At school, she faced ridicule because of her unique appearance. Kids called her names like “wolf girl” and “monkey face.”

Natty, however, didn’t understand why they teased her, as she considered herself a normal girl with just a bit more hair. She stated“It’s the way I am.”

Close up of a girl smiling with a man, her face covered in fur-like hair, homely background.

Natty’s teacher, Kuljira Posaeng, revealed that other kids were initially scared of Natty’s appearance, making her early school days difficult. Over time, though, Natty proved she was just like any other student. Teachers described her as hardworking with good grades, and she eventually became one of the most popular kids at school.

A young womain in a yellow floral top smiles for the camera, her face covered in fur-like hair.

Natty’s teachers said she was a lively girl who loved to sing, dance, and act. Her parents treated her just like any other kid, and they never made her feel like she was less important. They took her everywhere and weren’t embarrassed that she looked different from other children.

Later on, Natty found her love.

Closeup of a person covered in fur-like hair getting a haircut, scissors placed on nose.

Natty has come to terms with her condition, understanding that there’s no cure for it. She decided to keep her body hair the way it naturally grew from the time she was born, only shaving her face when she became a teenager. As she grew older, her self-esteem and self-image became more important to her, and she also found love.

She shared: “It began from friendship, then we became a couple.” Their conversations brought her happiness, and being together was comfortable, with a love she didn’t anticipate: “It was a kind of love that I didn’t expect would happen to me.”

Natty later married her boyfriend, calling him “the love of my life.”

A little girl getting a hair cut, her face covered in fur-like hair, cluttered background.

She also posted pictures with her lover, showing her face without facial hair. Some people thought she might have been cured, but her dad explained that she had chosen to shave her facial hair to reveal her new look. Now, her eyes, face, mouth, lips, and cheeks are visible, with only her forehead covered by her head’s hair.

Natty, who has found love and happiness, is determined to lead a positive life and continue making a beautiful impact on society. She believes that everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way, and she wants to inspire others to embrace their individuality and radiate their inner beauty.

A young couple wearing hoodies posing for a photo on a bridge.

Before you go, be sure to check out another article where a woman shares her story to emphasize that body hair shouldn’t be criticized, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness.

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