Hoda Kotb Gets Emotional at Last Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Back in September, Kotb revealed that she’s leaving the Today show after 17 years. The anchor announced the news during an episode while surrounded by her Today family—Guthrie, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones. 

Through tears, Kotb opened up about why she made the tough decision, calling her milestone birthday a "monumental moment" that sparked some serious reflection on the next chapter of her life.

“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” she said.

Kotb confirmed that her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, were a big part of the decision. “Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie,” she explained. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

Oh, how I’ll miss seeing you every morning, Hoda. 

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