After 26 years as a beloved presence on Today, Hoda Kotb is preparing to bid farewell to her daily hosting duties—but she’s not saying goodbye entirely. 

The longtime anchor has signed a new deal with NBC, ensuring that fans will still see her on-screen, albeit in a different capacity. 

Ahead of her final Today broadcast on Friday, Kotb opened up about her future plans, 

describing her new role as “Snoop-ish,” a nod to Snoop Dogg’s entertaining stint as a special correspondent for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A New Chapter with NBC

Although Kotb is stepping away from the daily grind of Today, she will continue contributing to the network through exclusive interviews and coverage of major events, 

including the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. “I think it’ll be kind of a Snoop-ish role,” she shared, referencing the rapper’s laid-back yet engaging coverage of the Olympic Games.

Additionally, Kotb will maintain a presence on Today, appearing in special segments every four to six weeks. She emphasized that she wants to take on a supporting role, rather than a leading one, as she transitions into this next phase of her career.

Beyond television, she plans to continue her Making Space podcast, a project she holds close to her heart. The podcast, which focuses on personal growth, motivation, and inspiring stories, has been a passion project for Kotb, allowing her to connect with audiences in a more intimate way.

Emotional Farewell to Today

As she prepares to say goodbye to her full-time role, Kotb has been overwhelmed with emotions. She admitted that she’s been shedding so many tears that she keeps a bottle of Gatorade by her bed to stay hydrated. “I literally have a bottle of Gatorade by my bed. And I’m not kidding after this week of tears,” she confessed.

Despite the emotional farewell, she’s looking forward to spending more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope. Kotb, who turned 60 last August, has been candid about how the milestone prompted her to reassess her priorities. Spending quality time with her children was a major factor in her decision to step back from Today.

Addressing Departure Rumors

Reports had surfaced that Kotb’s departure was linked to a dispute over money, but she firmly shut down those claims. “This job is amazing, and I don’t do it because I get a paycheck every other Thursday. That’s not why,” she explained. “Because then you’re only happy on every other Thursday. I do it because I love it.”

She acknowledged that she briefly considered opportunities at other networks but ultimately decided to stay with NBC, a place she has called home for more than two decades.

Future Projects and Wellness Focus

With more free time on her hands, Kotb is exploring new ventures, including launching a wellness app. She envisions it as an accessible and affordable resource for people looking to improve their well-being. “Let’s build something that’s good for anybody, for like, everybody. Affordable, comfortable, all those things,” she said, hinting at retreats and a newsletter as part of the initiative.

Balancing Co-Parenting and Family Time

Kotb also provided insight into her co-parenting dynamic with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. The two remain committed to raising their daughters together and recently spent Christmas as a family. They also plan to celebrate Haley’s 8th birthday together, continuing their effort to maintain a positive and stable environment for their children. “We love our kids, and we get along. I think we figured out a nice rhythm for us and the kids,” she said.

A Special Send-Off

Kotb’s Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been celebrating her longtime colleague with heartfelt gifts, including an alarm clock (smashed by Guthrie’s son Charley), pom-poms for encouragement, and a diamond bracelet inscribed with the words “With You.”

On Monday—her first day away from Today—Kotb is planning to kick off her morning with a 5:45 a.m. SoulCycle class, joking that it will “feel like 10 a.m. to me.”

While she may be stepping away from her daily hosting duties, Kotb’s presence at NBC remains strong. Her upcoming projects, continued Olympic coverage, and special appearances ensure that fans will still see plenty of her in the years to come.

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