Everything we know about his big departure (and his reasons for quitting)

Hoda Kotb said goodbye to Today after 20 years as an anchor in September 2024.

And we have new details about her last day on the job and the surprising reasons she quit.

Yes, apparently Hoda's salary may have played a role in her departure.

Although the talk show host and journalist has not addressed this report herself, the rumor going around is that as a Legacy presenter, she was denied one of the biggest advantages of the game: more money.

Of course, that's not the reason she gives for leaving; far from it, in fact.

But is it possible that the negotiations over his salary for the next few years on air were at the heart of the debate? We have heard strange things…

Hoda's decision to leave

Hoda announced she would step down Today on September 26. She revealed her plans to leave the show after turning 60 in August.

The talk show host announced she would be leaving in a note to staffwhich she also read on the air. The show also shared the memo on social media. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful decision,” she wrote.

Hoda Kotb then continued and reflected on the many different positions she has held at NBC during her career. She also screamed at him Today crew and family, including Al Roker and Jenna Bush Hager.

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

Hoda later said celebrating his 60th birthday “felt like a change.” Still, she said she's “ready and excited” for the next chapter of her life.

“My career in broadcasting has been more than meaningful, a new decade of my life awaits me, and now my daughters and my mother need a greater share of my time,” she continued.

Hoda concluded by saying she would work until early 2025. She also said she would “remain a part of the NBC family,” but she did not specify what her role would be.

“I’ll be there. How could I not do it? Family is family and you will always be part of mine,” she concluded.

Hoda's last day today

We now know that Hoda's last day Today it will be January 10.

Craig Melvin, who has worked at NBC News for more than 14 years, will replace her.

Hoda has maintained a civil facade during her final weeks on the job, and we know she still gets along with her coworkers.

But she may really like her NBC bosses right now.

What is Hoda Kotb's salary?

Although Hoda's departure message suggested she was looking to spend more time with her family, it was reported that money was a major factor in his decision Puck. Sources familiar with the matter said she makes more than $20 million a year.

The outlet also noted that her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie also made over $20 million and former co-anchor Matt Lauer made $25 million. It has been reported that industry cuts have played a role in reducing wages.

“NBC executives love Hoda knew her value to the brand, but she also made it clear to her agents that such stratospheric contracts were no longer justifiable given the industry's inexorable decline. Puck note.

Puck also explained that this type of “reset” will be much more common on television. “Everyone is seeing their pay cut or their jobs being eliminated,” a source said.

“In the coming year, some big names will announce that they want to spend more time with their children or family or write new chapters,” the source told the site. “They also don’t want to work for less money, even if they have already made a fortune.”

How long did Hoda stay at NBC?

Hoda spent more than a quarter century at NBC. In her social media post, she noted all the different roles she's held within the network over the 26 years she's worked there.

The journalist began working for NBC News in 1998. She was a correspondent for Data line. Hoda joined Today in 2007. Kathie Lee Gifford joined him as co-host in 2008, and she remained his co-host until 2019. Jenna Bush Hager then took over for Kathie.

After Matt Lauer was fired in 2017 over sexual misconduct allegations, Savannah had several co-anchors with her. In 2018, Hoda was elevated to co-anchor alongside him, and they were the first pair of female presenters in the show's history.