Hoda Kotb Says Leaving ‘Today’ to Spend Time With Kids Was the ‘Right Decision’: ‘It’s Been Beautiful’

It’s been a month since Hoda Kotb left Today and the TV personality has no regrets about making the big career move.

Hoda, 60, chatted with Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier at the 2025 Super Bowl and could not wipe the smile off her face while sharing an update on her life.

“I woke up on the very first day after I had made my decision on that Monday at 4:15, and I have to tell you everything seemed right,” Hoda said. “My little girl ran down the stairs, and she looked at me, and she goes, ‘You are here.’ I go, ‘Yes, I am.’ So, right decision, confirmed. Savannah and Craig are crushing it. Jenna and all of her friends, I don’t even know what friend I like better. But I’m enjoying watching them. It’s been beautiful.”

Hoda seemed like she had a blast at the Super Bowl, posing for photos with several celebrities like Kevin Costner and Harry Connick Jr. while in New Orleans for the festivities. Her fans have enjoyed seeing her have fun since departing the talk show.

Hoda’s final Today episode was on January 10. Craig Melvin took over her role as Savannah Guthrie’s morning coanchor on January 13. Still, fans can expect to see Hoda making appearances on NBC in the future after she signed a new contract with the network.

“Naturally saying goodbye is somewhat bittersweet because it’s end of an era for her, but she does feel ready for the change,” an insider told Closer last month of Hoda’s departure from the show. “And it’s not like she’s burnt any bridges, the door will always be open for her, possibly even for the occasional cameo. Not that she’s got any intention of going back; she’s ready for this new chapter. That being said, she will miss the people a lot.”

Her work life has not slowed down at all, as the broadcaster already teased an upcoming project with Joanna Gaines. While it’s not yet clear what exactly the project is, many are hoping it is home improvement related, since Hoda just moved into a new home in the suburbs.

“Remember i was talking about repotting—- gotta take first steps….We have something fun cooking! Come along on the great adventure…..Stay tunedI love @joannagaines,” Hoda captioned a series of Instagram photos with Joanna, 46, on February 5.

And of course, Hoda has been spending more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, since leaving the show that made her a household name.

“She has so many wonderful friends on the show, and the reality is she won’t see most of them anymore,” the insider said. “She is going to take a breather but it won’t be some long break, she’s already got a new project in the works to keep her interest.”

“Her big focus will be her daughters, but she’s not going to be sitting home twiddling her thumbs when they’re busy with school,” the source said. “She still wants to work, but it will be a nice relief to not be up and out of the house every day before the sun’s up.”