After a heartfelt 60th birthday celebration, Hoda Kotb knew it was time for a change. She decided to embrace a slower pace of life for her family, leaving behind her hectic New York City routine. But what sparked this shift, and how is she settling into her new surroundings?
Hoda Kotb turned 60 last August. About a month later, she had an emotional moment on “Today,” as she shared how her milestone birthday made her rethink how she wants to spend her time.
Known for her upbeat personality and dedication to her work, she now seems ready to shift her focus toward something more personal and meaningful. But this is not a decision she made lightly.
A Tearful Goodbye to ‘Today’
For years, Kotb has been a cherished presence on morning television, but in September 2024, she announced that she will leave the show early next year. As she reflected on her accomplishments, she tearfully shared with viewers on “Today” that it was time to move on.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb said tearfully on the September 26 episode of “Today.” The mother of two revealed that her decision was inspired by her desire to give her girls more of her time, noting, “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.”
As Kotb put it, her daughters deserved a bigger piece of her “time pie.” However, it wasn’t just her milestone birthday that prompted this choice. Kotb’s desire to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, played a significant role.
“Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking they deserve a bigger piece of my time,” she admitted. Although leaving the show wasn’t an easy decision, Kotb felt that it was time to prioritize her family and make the most of the years ahead.
The Move to the Suburbs — A Fresh Start
Before officially announcing her departure from the “Today” show, Kotb had already started making changes. She decided to leave the bustling streets of Manhattan behind and move to a quiet suburb.
This shift wasn’t easy. Kotb acknowledged that staying put would have been more convenient, but she felt drawn to a small town. “I found this spot that I liked, a little town that had all the things that could teach my kids independence,” she shared.
It wasn’t just about the physical move — it was about creating a home where Haley and Hope could feel secure, loved, and excited about their surroundings. She wanted to create a nurturing environment for her two daughters.
“I want my house for the kids to feel warm and cozy and a place where they want to hang,” she explained. As Kotb prepared for the transition, she came up with a term that...
