Today's Hoda Kotb reveals her plans for her first day off

She added: “And I can assure you that yes, you made the right choice, even though it was very difficult to do. I know that Haley and Hope will benefit immensely from this decision, and whatever you decide to do in your next chapter, in the next adventure, it will be the best decision for you and for your family.

Maria also shared her excitement for Hoda's next chapter, which will be focused on the wellness space, and paid tribute to Hoda's courage to follow this interest.

“You became acquainted with a voice that you didn't even know, and you began to give it space, and it began to bring you back to life in a way that you had never experienced before” , said Maria. “You had the courage to say, 'I think I want to follow my voice into the unknown. I want to leave one of the greatest jobs in television and I want to take the plunge.'”

She added: “Very few people would do that, and it's so brave.”

To learn more about the family awaiting Hoda's next step, keep reading.

(Today summer! are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)