Hoda Kotb Breaks Silence On What 'Weighed In' On Decision To Leave Co-Hosting Role

Broadcast journalist Hoda Kotb has shed more light on her decision to leave the "Today" show and how her youngest daughter, Hope, played a significant role in her exit.

The media personality first took a leave of absence from the NBC News morning show in 2023 after her daughter's admission to the ICU. At the time, she kept silent about what led to Hope's health scare until her recent return to the TV program.

Hoda Kotb made an emotional comeback to the "Today" show, reuniting with her former colleagues for the first time since her January exit. She broke the news about her daughter's condition and clarified the widespread rumors of her possible return to TV as Kelly Clarkson's replacement.

Kotb's revelation about her youngest daughter's medical condition was captured in a clip shared on the "Today" show's Instagram page. The doting mother, who welcomed two daughters, Haley and Hope, through adoption, confessed that she left her broadcasting gig to spend more time with her kids.

The media personality noted Hope's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis "definitely weighed in" on her decision to quit after 26 years with NBC News.

She recalled the little girl's 2023 stay at the hospital, stating that moments like that made her rethink her priorities as she could not be a good host while worrying about her daughter.

"You know, I can be here and sweating what's happening to Hope, you know, in the morning and in the night, or I can be there and feel relief that I can see," Kotb explained. Although her concerns about Hope influenced her decision to quit, she stressed that she never allowed her daughter to notice her concerns.

Kotb added that she wanted Hope to live like other children without concerns, saying, "One thing I have learned about having Hope, and I think anyone who has a child who has extra needs is, like, I try not to put my worry on her."

The former news anchor explained that Hope was in excellent health most days, but she always paid extra attention during meals. Kotb's routines included five-minute checks during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and sometimes overnight.

"Add that up, that's a half hour. So for 23 and a half hours, she's every other kid. So I try to remember," the doting mother of two added. Kotb implied that she did not want Hope to be defined by her condition, with the post's caption quoting part of advice to parents, which read:

"Don't put your worry on your kid. Watch them, but don't put your worry on them. Let them be kids and give them what they need when they need it."

Kotb's emotional confession about her youngest daughter's health sparked a wave of support from fans. Many resonated with her comments, with one IG user loving the former news anchor's statements about Hope not being defined by diabetes.

"Hope is a regular kid. She isn't a diabetic. She is a child with diabetes. It's one part of her. Hoda, this is beautiful," the individual applauded Kotb. Another echoed similar sentiments, writing, "Once again, Hoda's showing us her heart. Your girls are SO lucky to have you! Just as you are so lucky to have them."

The love for Kotb continued with parents sharing their Type 1 diabetes stories and advice. Someone labeled the media personality a "wise, strong mama," while another supporter claimed there was no mother like a "T1D Mama."

Meanwhile, a fan cautioned Kotb to watch Hope more closely beyond her five-minute checks during meals.

Two years before sharing Hope's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, The Blast reported that Kotb had taken a leave of absence from the news program to care for her daughter. She did not reveal what was wrong at the time but noted the young girl had been admitted to the ICU.

Following the health scare, Kotb updated fans about Hope's well-being during her appearance at the 2023 Webby Awards in New York. She won the trophy for Best Interview/Talk Show Podcast for "Making Space with Hoda Kotb" and celebrated the victory while raving about her daughter's recovery.

Kotb confessed that Hope had a "longer road" to complete recovery but confirmed the girl was doing much better. She described her as a "happy child," crediting her oldest daughter, Haley, for making the emotional period easier to handle. Kotb also shared her plans to have a fun summer with her girls.

Last September, The Blast confirmed that Kotb's days with NBC News were over after 26 years as a broadcast journalist. She announced her exit on the show and in a letter to staff, claiming she felt it was time to leave after her 60th birthday.

Kotb added that she would miss her TV family and the illustrious career she had built. However, she believed being a mother to her two adorable girls should be her primary focus henceforth.

The media personality echoed similar sentiments during her recent interview, clarifying that her return to TV won't happen anytime soon. When asked about the widespread speculations of her replacing Clarkson as the host of her TV show, Kotb shut down the claims.

She emphasized that if she were to return to broadcasting, it would be on the "Today" show. "This is the spot … there's no place like home," she declared in the video shared on the program's Instagram page.

Will Hoda Kotb return to TV or remain focused on her duties as a mother?