Katie Couric has expressed her support for Hoda Kotb following Kotb’s departure from Today,
revealing that she has been in touch with her former colleague through text messages. The veteran journalist shared her thoughts on Kotb’s exit,
expressing excitement for the new chapter in her life.
In a recent conversation, Couric, 68, shared that she reached out to Kotb after her decision to step away from the morning show.
“I’ve texted her a couple of times and told her I hope she was sleeping in,” Couric said.
Having experienced a similar transition when she left Today in 2006 after 15 years, Couric understands the importance of embracing change.
Couric Reflects on Life After Today
Couric, who made history as the first solo woman to anchor a network evening news broadcast when she joined CBS Evening News, acknowledged that leaving a long-standing position can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision.
“Someone was asking me earlier today about leaving the Today show,” she explained. “Change and new challenges keep life interesting and exciting. If you do something too long, it starts to feel stale, no matter how exciting the job may be.”
Her words suggest that she believes Kotb made the right choice in stepping away from Today after many years in the anchor chair. “I was excited for Hoda—having anchored the Today show for 15 years—to go and try new things and challenge herself,” Couric continued. “I’m really excited for her.”
Kotb’s Reasons for Leaving Today
Kotb’s departure was not only about career growth but also a deeply personal decision. She had previously shared her thoughts on reaching a milestone age and feeling ready for a new phase in life.
“I just turned 60, and it was such a monumental moment for me because I started thinking about that decade,” Kotb said at the time of her exit. “What does that decade mean? What does it hold? What’s it gonna have for me?”
One of the biggest factors influencing her decision was her desire to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman.
“I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking they deserve a bigger piece of my time, the pie that I have,” 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.”
A Major Loss for Today
Kotb’s departure has been felt deeply by the Today team, with an NBC insider describing it as a “huge blow” to the show.
“She’s the person that everybody loves,” the source shared. “She’s the same off-camera as she is on-camera, and I think that’s what’s the hardest thing because that can’t be said for everybody.”
Kotb’s warmth and authenticity have made her a beloved figure in morning television, and her absence is sure to leave a significant void at Today.
Does Couric Still Watch Today?
Despite her long history with Today, Couric admitted that she no longer watches the show as often as she once did.
“Honestly, in the morning I’m usually up and out,” she said. “And to be honest with you, like so many people, I get a lot of my content digitally.”
Although she still tunes in occasionally, Couric acknowledged that her viewing habits have changed since her departure from the morning news format.
“I do, but not consistently, not like I used to, and not like I did when I was actually on it,” she noted.
Exciting New Beginnings
While Today undergoes changes following Kotb’s exit, she remains a beloved figure in broadcasting, and her future endeavors are highly anticipated. With Couric cheering her on, Kotb is stepping into a new phase of life with confidence and excitement.
Change is never easy, but for both Kotb and Couric, embracing new opportunities has proven to be a fulfilling journey. As Kotb takes time for herself and her family, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and a deep connection with viewers that will not be forgotten.
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