Hoda Kotb Cries as She Makes Major Career Announcement Live on 'Today' Show

It’s the end of an era at the Today Show: Hoda Kotb just announced she’s leaving the morning show.

The beloved anchor and host, who recently turned 60, shared the news on Thursday, September 26, surrounded by her Today family—Savannah 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 also mentioned that her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, who she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, 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.”

Kotb's colleagues couldn’t hold back their emotions either, paying tribute to her in the most heartfelt way.

“We love you so much,” Guthrie said, teary-eyed. “And when you look around and see these tears, they’re love. You are so loved. We don’t want to imagine this place without you.”

Roker added, “I’ve never known anybody like you. I’ve known you forever, and I love you.”

Jones chimed in, “Hoda has a relationship with every single person on this couch in her own way, so I think we’re all just kind of wrestling with it inside.”

And, in true Jenna Bush Hager fashion, she lightened the mood with a joke. “It’s not over. I’m going to be showing up at your house like the stalker you are to Zac Brown. I will be there on your doorstep, and we are your friends forever,” Hager said.

Over on social media, Kotb shared a sweet, sentimental post featuring the quote, “By the way, I’m wearing the smile you gave me,” and captioned it, “Happy Thursday xx and thank you,” with a red heart emoji.

Fans quickly rallied in the comments to show their love and support.

“I am crying along with you about your departure, but I am so proud of you and your decision to spend time with your girls. We all feel like you are our friend, and you will be so missed,” one fan wrote, truly summing up the mood.

Another playfully added, “We understand, but don’t approve,” while a third chimed in with, “I’ll miss you as part of my mornings, Hoda.”