Morning routines differ for everyone\u2014while some skip TV altogether, others can\u2019t start their day without their favorite morning show. For many, that meant tuning in to see Hoda Kotb.<\/p>\n
Now, it looks like Kotb is stepping away from Today<\/em>, and speculation is already swirling about who will take her place.<\/p>\n Hoda Kotb is set to leave her role as Today<\/em> co-host, meaning Jenna Bush Hager will soon have a new partner by her side.<\/p>\n Kotb shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming Jenna & Friends<\/em> segment, where a rotating lineup of celebrity co-hosts will join Bush Hager each week until a permanent replacement is chosen.<\/p>\n The reason for Kotb\u2019s departure? She\u2019s prioritizing family time with her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Reflecting on her co-host\u2019s talent, Kotb praised Bush Hager, saying, \u201cWhat this experience has shown me is that Jenna is a star. I always knew it, but now I see it even more as she navigates blind dates with new co-hosts each week. She\u2019s incredible. Whoever joins her will be lucky to sit beside her.\u201d<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the only change to Kotb\u2019s role\u2014back in November, Craig Melvin was named her replacement for the 7\u20138 A.M. hour of Today<\/em>, co-hosting alongside Savannah Guthrie. Kotb had nothing but praise for the pairing, calling it a perfect match: \u201cSavannah and Craig\u2014come on. They\u2019re like two peas in a pod. It was meant to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Although she\u2019s stepping away from Today<\/em>, Kotb made it clear she\u2019ll stay in touch with her colleagues. \u201cI\u2019ll still call them, check in,\u201d she said. \u201cThey keep asking, \u2018What do you need? How can we help?\u2019 They\u2019re here for my next adventure. It\u2019s been amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n While she may be leaving, she\u2019s not quite ready to say a full goodbye. On her last day, Kotb received several friendship bracelets, each with a special message. \u201cThis one says \u2018January 10, 2025\u2019\u2014someone gave me a date. This one says \u2018Today show.\u2019 And this one says, \u2018Hoda. Be kind,\u2019\u201d she shared. \u201cI\u2019ve been wearing them all since that day. I can\u2019t take them off yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Kotb is preparing to launch a wellness project, a new chapter she\u2019s eager to begin. \u201cI\u2019m feeling refreshed,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m feeling sunny.\u201d<\/p>\n As for who will take her place, Kotb admitted she\u2019s just as curious as everyone else. \u201cJenna and I have been talking about it. I keep asking, \u2018Who\u2019s going to be our forever friend?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\nKeep reading to find out more\u2026<\/h3>\n