Katie Couric has been keeping in touch with her longtime friend and colleague, Hoda Kotb, following Kotb’s decision to step away from the Today show in September 2024. 

The two media powerhouses, who share a bond forged in the world of broadcast journalism, have maintained a supportive connection despite the changes in their careers.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Couric, 68, opened up about how she has been reaching out to Kotb to offer her encouragement. 

“I’ve texted her a couple of times and told her I hope she was sleeping in,” 

Couric shared while promoting the Cologuard Classic tournament by Exact Sciences for National Colon Cancer Awareness Month in early March. 

Couric, who herself departed from Today in 2006 after 15 years with the show, offered her friend words of advice and understanding, 

knowing firsthand how challenging it can be to move on from such an iconic career.

Having been a trailblazer in the industry, Couric’s departure from Today was monumental. She went on to become the first solo woman to anchor a nightly news broadcast, taking the helm of CBS Evening News. Her time at Today was a defining part of her career, and she understands the mix of emotions that come with stepping away from something so deeply embedded in one’s life.

“I was excited for Hoda—having anchored the Today show for 15 years— to go and try new things and challenge herself,” Couric explained. “Change and new challenges keep life interesting and exciting.” Her words echoed the sentiment that moving on to new opportunities can bring about fresh excitement, even after spending years in one place. Couric added, “If you do something too long, it starts to feel stale no matter how exciting the job may be,” reinforcing her belief that reinvention can be a positive force in one’s life.

For Kotb, 60, her decision to leave Today after nearly 30 years with NBC was a significant moment of reflection. She publicly shared her personal decision to step away from the program in 2024, revealing that turning 60 made her reconsider her priorities. Kotb tearfully explained that she wanted to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Kotb’s announcement highlighted the struggle of balancing a demanding career with the need to be more present in her children’s lives.

“I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking they deserve a bigger piece of my time, the pie that I have,” Kotb said at the time. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.” While her decision was difficult, it was clear that Kotb wanted to prioritize family above all else.

Kotb’s exit from Today came as a shock to many fans, especially as she had been a beloved figure on the morning program for decades. An insider from NBC described her departure as a “huge blow” for the show, with many attributing her popularity to her authenticity both on and off camera. “She’s the person that everybody loves,” the insider revealed, underscoring Kotb’s reputation as someone who was just as genuine behind the scenes as she was on-screen.

Despite no longer being part of the Today show, Kotb has expressed that she doesn’t feel any “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and is content with her decision. She has even embraced spending more time with her daughters, which she sees as one of the greatest rewards of this new chapter.

For Couric, while she doesn’t watch Today as consistently as she once did, she still keeps an eye on the show. “Honestly, in the morning, I’m usually up and out,” she explained. “I get a lot of my content digitally, so I do, but not consistently, not like I used to.” This new way of consuming media highlights how even former hosts of such iconic programs adapt to changing times.

As for the bond between Couric and Kotb, it remains strong despite the different paths they’ve taken. Couric’s supportive messages and her understanding of the challenges Kotb is facing reflect the enduring friendship between the two journalists. Both women have carved their own legacies in the world of broadcast news, and while their careers may have taken different directions, their camaraderie continues to thrive.

Looking forward, both Couric and Kotb are embracing the next stages of their careers, each finding new challenges and opportunities that fit their evolving personal and professional lives. And with Couric cheering her on from the sidelines, Kotb can feel confident that her decision to step away from Today was the right one—giving her the space to pursue new adventures while cherishing the time with her family that means the most.

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