Hoda Kotb unveils various secrets in her comeback on The Today Show.
Hoda Kotb denies rumors of replacing Kelly Clarkson as a talk-show host in a potential "Hoda in the Afternoon" role, clarifying her return to "Today" on Wednesday. Kotb appeared on the show for the first time since her January departure, quashing the speculation during an exchange with Craig Melvin.
When Melvin brought up the talk show replacement rumor, Kotb humorously asked her fellow hosts, "Do y'all think - I want to ask y'all a real question - do you think, if I ever came back to TV, do you know where the only place I would ever come back to is?" Kotb continued, "Right here. This is the spot." She quickly added that the Clarkson rumor was not true, saying "Delete, not true."
Hoda Kotb's departure from "Today" was due in part to her desire to focus on her daughter Hope, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes about two years ago. Hope, now 6 years old, requires regular synthetic insulin to manage her condition, as her pancreas no longer produces insulin. Kotb emphasized that Hope's health issues necessitated her leaving the morning show, but it was not the sole reason for her departure.
Kotb, 60, adopted Hope in 2019 and also has a sister named Haley, whom she and her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman adopted in 2017. The couple separated in 2022 but remain on amicable terms as co-parents. Kotb told "People" magazine that Hope is a "happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid," and she is committed to being there for her daughter. Kotb recently launched a new wellness venture named Joy 101.
Since leaving "Today," Kotb has not ruled out a return to daytime television, expressing her intention to remain involved in the media industry. Her focus, however, remains her children. Kotb sleepily attends to Hope's five-minute insulin adjustments during meals and sometimes overnight.
Kotb also discussed her desire not to be defined by Hope's diabetes. She hopes her daughter's condition will shape her but not define her. In an interview with "People," Kotb said, "Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her."
[1] Kotb has expressed openness to future projects with NBC. However, it remains unclear if she will return to a full-time role on "Today" or pursue other television opportunities.[2] Kotb's return to "Today" was a symbolic step, marking her first in-person appearance on the show since her departure.[3] Kotb announced her exit from "Today" in January 2022, citing the need for more time with her adopted daughters as the primary reason for her departure. Despite her absence, she has maintained a connection with NBC.
[4] At the intersection of her personal and professional life, Hoda Kotb remains committed to both her family health, particularly her daughter Hope's well-being, and her career in science, health-and-wellness, and entertainment.
[5] Among some of California's bustling cities, Los Angeles, in particular, watches closely as Kotb navigates her role as a parent and her transition from morning news to perhaps daytime talk shows or even new ventures in business and entertainment.
[6] Through her Joy 101 project and ongoing endeavors, Kotb continues to champion the importance of household wellness andparenting, extending her influence beyond the television screen and interacting with those with similar concerns and goals.
[7] Given her dedication to family, her resilience through personal challenges, and her commitment to media, the world of science, health, entertainment, and parenting may soon witness further contributions from Hoda Kotb, be it through television, Los Angeles-based endeavors, or perspectives gleaned from her diverse experiences.
