Hoda Kotb has officially announced her emotional farewell to Today, concluding a remarkable 20-year journey as an anchor in September 2024.

We have uncovered intriguing insights regarding her final day on the show, alongside the unexpected factors influencing her decision to depart from the iconic morning program.

Reports suggest that Hoda’s salary may have been a significant factor in her choice to step away from her long-standing role.

In this screengrab released on March 28, 2021, host Hoda Kotb speaks during the Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP the Magazine broadcast on March 28, 2021 by Great Performances on PBS. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for AARP)

While Hoda has yet to publicly comment on the speculation surrounding her exit, whispers suggest that as a legacy anchor, she faced the disappointment of being denied one of the most sought-after benefits in the industry: a substantial salary increase.

Although she has not cited financial reasons for her departure, the question remains: could ongoing negotiations regarding her compensation for the upcoming years have played a pivotal role in her decision? The dynamics of the television industry are often unpredictable, and anything is possible.

Understanding Hoda’s Heartfelt Decision to Depart Today

NBC anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb attend as Wynonna Judd performs on NBC’s “Today” at Rockefeller Plaza on October 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Hoda made the surprising announcement of her departure from Today on September 26, just after celebrating her milestone 60th birthday in August.

In her heartfelt memo to the staff, which she also shared on air, Hoda expressed the emotional weight of her decision. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one,” she conveyed with sincerity.

Reflecting on her extensive career at NBC, Hoda took a moment to acknowledge the countless roles she has embraced throughout the years, expressing gratitude to her Today team and her family, including cherished colleagues like Al Roker and Jenna Bush Hager.

“I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show,” she stated poignantly. “I will miss each and every one of you at Today desperately.”

As she reminisced, Hoda revealed that her 60th birthday celebration felt like a significant turning point in her life. Yet, she expressed a sense of readiness and excitement for the new adventures that lie ahead.

“My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful; now, a new decade of my life awaits. My daughters and my mom deserve a larger share of my time and attention,” she shared with heartfelt sincerity.

Hoda concluded her message by highlighting her intention to remain with NBC until the beginning of 2025. Although she did not specify her future role, she reassured fans that she would continue to be part of the NBC family.

“I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family, and you all will always be a part of mine,” she concluded with warmth and gratitude.

Hoda Kotb attends the 70th anniversary celebration of NBC’s “Today” at The Paley Center for Media on May 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Mark Your Calendars: Hoda’s Last Day on Today

It has been confirmed that Hoda’s final day on Today will be January 10, marking the end of an era.

Craig Melvin, a seasoned journalist with over 14 years of experience at NBC News, is set to take over her role as her successor.

During her last weeks on the job, Hoda has maintained a professional demeanor, demonstrating a strong rapport with her coworkers. However, the dynamics with her NBC bosses may be more complex.

Exploring Hoda Kotb’s Salary: What Influenced Her Departure?

While Hoda’s farewell message suggested a desire to prioritize family, reports from Puck indicate that financial considerations played a crucial role in her decision-making process. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that her annual salary exceeded $20 million.

Additionally, it was noted that her co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, also commanded a salary of over $20 million, while former co-anchor Matt Lauer earned $25 million. The industry-wide cuts have made a significant impact on salary negotiations.

According to Puck, “NBC executives loved Hoda and recognized her value to the brand, but they also communicated to her agents that such high-profile contracts were no longer financially feasible given the industry’s ongoing decline.”

Hoda Kotb attends the Hudson River Park Friends 8th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Current at Chelsea Piers on March 08, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)

Furthermore, Puck highlighted that this type of “reset” in the industry is becoming increasingly common. “Everyone is experiencing pay cuts or job eliminations,” stated an insider.

“In the upcoming year, many prominent figures will likely announce their intentions to focus more on family or explore new ventures, often citing financial constraints while already having built substantial wealth,” the source elaborated.

Tracing Hoda’s Impressive 26-Year Journey at NBC

Hoda dedicated an impressive 26 years of her career to NBC, during which she held numerous roles that showcased her versatility as a journalist. In her heartfelt social media tribute, she reflected on her diverse experiences at the network.

Her journey with NBC News began in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline. By 2007, she had joined the ranks of Today, where she formed a dynamic partnership with Kathie Lee Gifford starting in 2008. They co-hosted together until 2019, when Jenna Bush Hager took over as her new co-anchor.

After Matt Lauer’s dismissal in 2017 due to serious allegations, Savannah Guthrie worked with various co-anchors. In 2018, Hoda was promoted to co-anchor alongside Savannah, marking a significant milestone as they became the first all-female anchor duo in the show’s storied history.