Hoda Kotb made a much‑anticipated return to the public spotlight in Charleston, South Carolina, this past weekend, with more than 100 fans gathering to hear from her in person.

The former anchor of The Today Show hosted a book event to introduce her new memoir Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life.

Kotb, a veteran journalist, author, and businesswoman, stepped down from her role on Today in January 2025. Her departure from the show, which had long defined much of her public identity, was a big shift—one she admits was scary, but necessary.

In Charleston, Kotb explained that her new book is more than memoir—it’s both a celebration of beginnings and an invitation to accept life’s transitions. She described this period of her life as one of being a “beginner again.” Starting afresh—launching new projects, exploring new roles—has become central to her message.

One of those new beginnings includes a wellness company that Kotb has been building. Along with promoting her book, she’s focusing on motivating and educating others through her platforms beyond the page.

The tour itself is a manifestation of that effort—to connect with people in person, share stories, and encourage them to take risks.

Kotb’s own life provides much of the emotional foundation for Jump and Find Joy. She reflects candidly on her battle with breast cancer, diagnosed when she was 40, including moments when she felt utterly powerless. She also explores what it means to relinquish control in the face of uncertainty—and still find hope.

The book includes contributions from noteworthy figures such as Viola Davis, whose stories help illustrate Kotb’s central themes.

Her book tour will visit several major cities. Stops include Chicago, New Orleans, Greenwich (Connecticut), Winston‑Salem (North Carolina), Eastchester (New York), and of course Charleston, which served as the kickoff.

When reflecting on what was once such a defining role—that of Today Show anchor—Kotb said that when people ask her who she is, her first impulse used to be “I work at The Today Show, I work with Jenna, I work with Savannah.” She said shedding that identity was difficult but freeing.

Still, she emphasizes that she isn’t closing doors so much as opening new ones. Her decision to step away wasn’t about giving up; it was about realigning priorities. Family, joy, personal growth—these are the directions she now wants to explore more fully.

Audience members in Charleston heard Kotb read excerpts from her new book and had the opportunity for signed copies. The response was warm: people related to her message of embracing change, being vulnerable, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Kotb’s trajectory reflects a larger trend: public figures using life transitions—retirement, leaving long‑held roles—as opportunities to tell new stories, forge new paths, and connect in more intimate ways with their audience.

Her tour seems designed not just to sell books, but to offer something deeper: encouragement for people who may be facing their own seasons of uncertainty.

As Jump and Find Joy hits shelves on September 23, 2025, Kotb’s message may resonate especially with those navigating change themselves—whether personal, familial, professional, or all of the above.

Charleston’s event was just the opening chapter in what promises to be a tour rich with stories, reflections, and the kind of hope that comes when you decide to leap into something new.