Hoda Kotb announces his departure from today’s show after 17 years to focus on his children

TV show host Hoda Kotb made a shocking statement September 26: She leaves Today’s program after almost two decades. Kotb, 60, announced the news in a letter to staff.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the journalist wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s painful. And you are all the reason for this. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that deeply now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

The longtime journalist explained the reasons for her departure, adding: “My television career has been more than significant, I have a new decade of my life ahead of me, and now my daughters and mother need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I am ready and excited.”

Today’s program the host is not leaving yet, fans will continue to watch her on TV screens until the beginning of 2025. She will also continue to work behind the scenes at NBC.

“I happily and gratefully plan to remain a part of the NBC family, which will be the longest professional relationship I have been fortunate to hold close to my heart.”

Kotb co-hosts Today with Savannah Guthrie – the two made history as the show’s first-ever co-host pair. Kotb also co-hosts “The Fourth Hour” with Jenna Bush Hager.

“I’ll be nearby. How could I not? Family is family and you will all always be part of it,” Kotb concluded.

The children the host wants to spend more time talking about include 7-year-old Haley Joy, whom she adopted in 2017, and 4-year-old Hope Catherine, whom she adopted in 2019. After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, Kotb was unable to conceive pregnant . Both daughters were adopted by her ex-fiance Joel Schiffman.

It seems the celebrity journalist has been preparing for this moment, considering she recently moved into a house in the suburbs so the girls could have more space and enjoy more traditional childhood adventures. She also explained that her daughters are excited to have their own space and fun items like single beds, reading chairs and beanbags.

“I want my children to feel the grass on their feet, play in the yard, ride bikes in the street and run up the stairs,” she told PEOPLE during an interview about the move. “I just see a life for them in this perfect home in this beautiful town where I know they will grow into beautiful, independent and strong women.”