Hoda Kotb’s New Chapter: Inside Her Emotional Exit From Today, The Joy 101 App Launch, And Her ‘Begin Again’ Era

Hoda Kotb is embarking on one of the most significant professional and personal transitions of her decades-long career, marking her "begin again" era with a series of major new ventures in 2025. The beloved television personality and author recently made her final appearance as the main co-anchor of the *Today* show, a move that stunned and inspired fans in equal measure, as she pivots her focus toward a new, deeply personal wellness platform. This shift comes as she embraces her 60s, a time she publicly declared is dedicated to new beginnings and prioritizing her family life. The latest updates, as of December 2025, confirm that Kotb is fully engaged in her new role as a wellness entrepreneur and author, while still maintaining her connection to the NBC family through special projects. Her new business, a highly anticipated book, and her emotional farewell from a key anchoring role define the current narrative of one of America’s most influential broadcast journalists.

Hoda Kotb: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Hoda Kotb is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her long tenure on NBC News.

• Full Name: Hoda Kotb
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma
• Heritage: Egyptian-American
• Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
• Early Career: Started her broadcasting career after college, including stints at local news channels in Mississippi and Illinois.
• NBC News Tenure: Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for *Dateline NBC*.
• Today Show Roles:
  • Co-host of the 10 am hour, *Hoda & Jenna* (formerly with Kathie Lee Gifford, now with Jenna Bush Hager).
  • Main Co-anchor of the flagship *Today* show (2018–2024/2025 transition).
• Family: Mother to two adopted daughters, Hayley Joy and Hope Catherine.
• Notable Achievements: Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, Gracie Awards, and a Peabody Award.
• Relationship Status: Engaged to fiancé Joel Schiffman, though their relationship status is often a topic of public interest.

The Emotional Departure from the Today Show and New NBC Role

The biggest news surrounding Hoda Kotb in late 2024 and early 2025 was her decision to step down from her main co-anchor role on the *Today* show. This move marked the end of a 26-year career at NBC, with her final main co-anchor appearance occurring near the end of 2024. The transition was handled with great emotion, as Kotb openly discussed the "scary" yet exhilarating feeling of saying goodbye to a daily role she cherished. Her departure was largely prompted by a desire to spend more time with her daughters, Hayley Joy and Hope Catherine, as she enters her 60s. The shift is not a complete farewell to the network. Kotb continues to co-host the popular 10 am hour, *Hoda & Jenna*, alongside her close friend and co-star, Jenna Bush Hager. Furthermore, she remains a part of the NBC News family for special assignments and events. For instance, she reunited with former *Today* colleagues Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie to co-host the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, demonstrating her enduring connection to the team. The transition on the main show saw Craig Melvin take over as the news anchor beginning January 13, 2025, a change that was met with excitement by fans of the morning program.

Launching Joy 101: Hoda Kotb’s Major Wellness Venture

In a move that solidifies her pivot from full-time news anchor to wellness entrepreneur, Hoda Kotb launched her newest and most personal project, the "Joy 101" wellness app and platform, in May 2025. This venture is a direct reflection of the themes of positivity and mental well-being that have defined her books and her on-air persona for years. The Joy 101 platform is described as a wellness space built around finding happiness and embracing a "begin again" philosophy, particularly as one enters a new decade of life. The launch of the app was a major event, celebrated with a reunion of her *Today* family on May 28, 2025, which highlighted the support she has from her former colleagues. This new venture is more than just an app; it is a comprehensive platform designed to inspire and guide users. It focuses on practical steps for finding joy in everyday life, a mission that resonates deeply with Kotb’s personal philosophy. The platform is seen by many as her most significant career step outside of television broadcasting.

The 'Begin Again' Era: New Book and 2025 Emmy Nomination

Hoda Kotb has branded her 60s as her "begin again" era, a theme she shared at the Forbes Power Women's Summit in September 2025. This philosophy underpins her latest creative and professional endeavors, emphasizing that it is never too late to start a new chapter. In line with this theme, Kotb is set to release a new book titled *Jump and Find Joy* in September 2025. The book's title clearly links back to her wellness platform, Joy 101, suggesting a cohesive message of optimism and renewal across her work. To celebrate the publication, she will embark on a highly anticipated book tour, allowing her to connect with fans across the country. Despite stepping away from the main anchor chair, her work continues to receive critical acclaim. Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager received a nomination for a 2025 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host. This nomination for their work on *Today with Hoda & Jenna* underscores the enduring popularity and quality of their partnership and the program they continue to lead. Kotb's journey in 2025 is a testament to her versatility and resilience. From her emotional, yet necessary, departure from a major network role to the successful launch of a personal wellness venture and the release of a new book, she is redefining what a successful career looks like in its later stages. Her focus on joy, family, and new beginnings makes her "begin again" era one of the most compelling stories in media today.

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