After 17 years as a co-anchor on Today, Hoda Kotb has decided to step away from the morning show to focus on a new chapter in her life. 

The beloved journalist, 60, announced her departure in September 

and recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss her reasons for leaving, her plans for the future, and her thoughts on love and dating.

A Time for Change

As she reaches a new stage in life, Kotb has been reflecting on what she truly wants. Turning 60 has been a major milestone, 

prompting her to consider what the next phase of her life should look like.

“I’ve kind of been contemplating, wondering, thinking about what I wanted this next chunk of my life to look like as I turned 60,” she shared. “And I like adventure, I like new beginnings. I’m a sunrise person and not a sunset person, and I was wondering, what does it look like for me?”

One of the biggest factors influencing her decision is her desire to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 5. Balancing motherhood with the demands of a high-profile career has been challenging, and she realized that something had to give.

“As my time pie expands with my upcoming departure from Today in early 2025, I picture that—a great love down the road. And I see it,” she said.

Finding Room for Love

While Kotb is excited about devoting more time to her family, she is also open to the idea of romance in the future. She acknowledges that her focus has been on her career and children for so long that dating took a backseat. However, she envisions love being part of her life when the time is right.

“I think, when I look in my crystal ball or at my tea leaves way down the road, I do see that,” she said about the possibility of dating again. “It’s funny because I feel like I’m becoming more of me, and also, again, back to the time pie, that part of my life got such a tiny sliver.”

Though she is certain that love is in her future, she isn’t actively pursuing it at the moment. “It’s not like, ‘Boy, I wish. I hope.’ No. I see it. I don’t know how it will and when it will come, but when I close my eyes… I can see it.”

For now, Kotb is adjusting to the major transition of leaving Today and acknowledges that she needs to get her “sea legs” before diving into the dating world.

A New Approach to Dating

Kotb’s perspective on relationships has shifted over time. In a previous interview, she recalled a piece of advice from a friend that helped her reframe how she approaches dating.

“A friend asked me, ‘What do you have room for?’ Which is a very important question to ask yourself when you’re looking for whatever it is,” Kotb explained. “She goes, ‘Truthfully, if you could have anything, what would you have space for?’ And I said, ‘I have space for a Thursday night date.’ She says, ‘Then that’s what you should look for.'”

This advice helped her clarify what she wants in a relationship without feeling pressured to fit romance into an already packed schedule. “I’m like, ‘Oh, so that’s what I want. I want a Thursday night date.’ So I do that,” she said.

Kotb was previously engaged to financier Joel Schiffman, but the two ended their relationship in 2022 after eight years together. Since then, she has been navigating life as a single mom while maintaining a demanding career.

A Surprise Suitor?

Despite not actively dating, Kotb has caught the attention of some unexpected admirers. Comedian Ali Wong recently revealed that fellow comedian Eric André is a huge fan of Kotb and even dressed up as her for Halloween.

“Eric André is like obsessed with you,” Wong told her, listing some of the reasons he admires Kotb. “Look, he’s a colorful dresser. He’s the host of his own show.”

Wong even showed Kotb a photo of André’s costume, which he considered an homage to her. She explained that when she asked him about his type, he simply responded, “Hoda Kotb.”

While Kotb laughed off the idea, the interaction highlighted just how admired she is—both professionally and personally.

Looking Ahead

As Kotb prepares to leave Today in early 2025, she remains excited about the journey ahead. Her priority is her daughters, but she is also embracing new opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s spending more time with family, launching her wellness initiative, or eventually stepping back into the dating world, Kotb is ready to welcome this new chapter with open arms.

Her departure from Today may mark the end of an era, but for Kotb, it’s just the beginning of something new—and she’s embracing every moment.

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