Hoda Kotb’s Shocking ‘Today’ Show Exit Leaves Carson Daly ‘Selfishly Sad’
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Carson Daly is feeling bittersweet emotions as his Today show co-host Hoda Kotb prepares to leave the show. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, Daly opened up about his sadness over Kotb’s decision to step away and his happiness for her as she prioritizes her family.
“Selfishly, when she does eventually go, I won’t be able to see her every day. That’s the first thing. When you love somebody… it is such a family. It can’t be faked,” Daly shared, expressing his deep affection for Kotb. He explained that working with someone you genuinely care about makes the job so much more enjoyable. “So that was my first thought. Then my second thought was just being so happy for her—that she’s made a decision that’s better for her, her family, and her life moving forward. So yeah, she’s the best.”
Daly also touched on the subject of who might replace the beloved host, who has been a key part of the Today show. “There’s quite a lot of time for that,” he said. “We’re celebrating her and glad she’s still in the building.”
In September, Kotb announced her decision to leave the show to focus on her children. She shared that having become a mom later in life, she wants to dedicate more time to her kids. “I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. 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,” she said, reflecting on the emotional weight of her decision.
As Kotb prepares for this new chapter, Daly and the rest of the Today team are rallying around her, celebrating her contributions while cherishing the time they have left together on the show. Although her departure marks the end of an era, it also highlights the deep bonds shared among the cast, proving that the Today show is more than just a workplace—it’s a family.
