In a rare and deeply personal interview, Hoda Kotb opened up about the emotional weight of leaving The Today Show, a role that defined two decades of her life.

Known for her warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with audiences, Hoda’s voice cracked as she reflected on the moments she still longs for after stepping away from the iconic show.

“There’s this emptiness when I walk into the studio now,” she admitted, her gaze distant. “I miss the energy—the way the room felt when we were live, the buzz of the audience, the trust they placed in us every morning.

It’s not just a job; it’s a part of who I am.” Her words, shared during a candid conversation with a close friend, underscored the bittersweet reality of her transition from co-anchor to a life beyond Today.

Hoda’s departure from the show, announced in late 2023, stunned fans and industry insiders alike. While NBC framed it as a mutual decision tied to “creative differences,” sources close to Hoda revealed the move was driven by her desire to prioritize family and her growing list of personal projects.

Yet, even as she embraces this new chapter, the void left by her absence from the set lingers. “I miss the rituals,” she confessed. “The early mornings, the coffee with Jenna, the way we’d laugh until we cried between segments.

Those moments weren’t just work—they were a second family.” Her bond with Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager, in particular, became a cornerstone of her 22-year tenure. The pair’s chemistry, often described as “sisterly” by fans, was a driving force behind the show’s success.

Now, Hoda admits, the silence without Jenna’s voice is deafening. “Jenna brought such heart to everything we did,” she said. “I miss her wit, her loyalty, and the way she could make me feel like I was enough, even on my worst days.”

The emotional toll of leaving Today has been exacerbated by the show’s rapid evolution in her absence. With new faces stepping into the host seat and a shift toward digital-first content, Hoda has watched closely as the franchise she helped build undergoes a transformation. While she’s proud of the show’s legacy, she’s also wary of losing the soul that made it special.

“The Today Show was always about connection,” she explained. “It wasn’t just information—it was companionship. You had to feel seen, not just informed. That’s what I feared losing the most when I left.”

Her concerns mirror those of longtime viewers, many of whom have expressed nostalgia for the show’s earlier years. “Hoda brought humanity to the screen,” one fan wrote in a viral social media post. “She made me feel like I wasn’t alone, even on the hardest days.”

Yet, for all the heartache, Hoda’s exit has also marked the beginning of a new era. In the months since leaving Today, she’s thrown herself into a flurry of projects, from writing a memoir to expanding her breast cancer awareness advocacy. Her latest book, Finding Myself After the Spotlight, promises raw, unfiltered insights into her journey of rediscovery.

“This book isn’t just about me,” Hoda said. “It’s about anyone who’s ever felt like they’re leaving something behind to find themselves. I want people to know it’s okay to grieve the life you had before—it’s part of growing.”

The memoir, currently in its final editing stages, has already drawn praise from early readers for its vulnerability and honesty. “Hoda’s voice is still as powerful as ever,” one reviewer noted. “She’s not hiding from the pain—she’s using it to connect with others.”

Beyond writing, Hoda has leaned into her role as a mother and partner, spending quality time with her three children and husband, Joel Schiffman.

Balancing her public persona with her private life has always been a challenge, but in recent months, she’s made a conscious effort to carve out space for joy. “I used to think my worth was tied to what I could achieve,” she admitted. “Now, I’m learning to measure it by the love I give and receive.”

Her shift in priorities is evident in her social media presence, which has become more personal and less polished. From candid family photos to heartfelt reflections, Hoda’s posts offer a glimpse into a woman embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of life after Today.

Despite the emotional hurdles, Hoda isn’t entirely disconnected from the world of television. She’s rumored to be in talks with several networks about potential hosting gigs, though she’s quick to downplay the speculation.

“I’ll do what feels right, not what others expect,” she said. “If I’m going to return to the screen, it has to be on my terms—and it has to matter.” For now, her focus remains on her own well-being and the causes she cares about most.

This summer, she’s launching a new initiative to support women in cancer treatment, blending her advocacy work with hands-on community engagement. “I want to give back the way I’ve always felt seen,” she explained. “By showing up, listening, and reminding people they’re not alone.”

Hoda’s journey, however, hasn’t been without its struggles. Friends describe her as “grateful but grieving,” torn between the pride of her accomplishments and the loss of the routine that once anchored her. “She’s had to redefine what success looks like,” one confidante shared. “It’s been a slow process, but she’s getting there.”

The emotional labor of letting go, Hoda admits, is ongoing. “Some days, I wake up and miss the chaos of the set,” she said. “Other days, I’m overwhelmed by how much I’m capable of outside of it. It’s a dance between mourning and celebrating.”

For fans, Hoda’s story is a reminder that even the brightest careers come to an end. Yet, as she continues to evolve, her legacy remains intact. The Today Show may have changed, but its spirit—rooted in empathy, connection, and resilience—persists through the countless lives she touched.

In her own words, Hoda’s message is clear: “Leaving Today didn’t break me—it taught me that I’m stronger than I ever thought possible. And that’s a gift I’ll carry with me forever.”

As she steps into the next chapter of her life, the world watches with bated breath, knowing that wherever Hoda goes, her heart will always belong to the people who made her shine.