So, the 3:00 AM alarms are finally over. For anyone who spent their mornings with a cup of coffee and the Today show, seeing Hoda Kotb leave her anchor chair last year felt like losing a friend you didn't know you had. But if you’re looking for a Hoda Kotb new job update in 2026, she isn't exactly sitting on a beach somewhere doing nothing. Honestly, she's busier than ever, just in a way that doesn't involve teleprompters and earpieces every single morning.
She's basically traded the "hard news" grind for something much more personal. It’s a pivot that’s left some fans confused—is she retired? Is she still at NBC? The answer is a bit of both, but the real story is her massive leap into the wellness industry with her new company, Joy 101.
The Real Story Behind Joy 101
After her emotional exit on January 10, 2025, Hoda didn't just disappear. She launched a wellness brand called Joy 101. It’s not just some celebrity vanity project, either. We’re talking about a full-blown platform that includes a mobile app, retreats, and a heavy focus on science-backed "happiness" habits.
She's been super candid about why she did it. While she loved the Today show, the pace was grueling. She wanted a "bigger piece of the time pie" for her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. If you’ve ever felt like your job was eating your entire life, you probably get why she walked away at the peak of her career.
The Hoda Kotb new job isn't just about her, though. She’s brought in some heavy hitters to help. We’re talking about a "Joy Collective" that includes people like Joanna Gaines, Jon Batiste, and Arthur Brooks. It’s less about "juice cleanses" and more about finding purpose after 50.
What is She Actually Doing Day-to-Day?
If you check her schedule lately, it’s a mix of CEO duties and special correspondent gigs. Here is the breakdown of how she’s spending her time now:
- Running the App: The Joy 101 app launched in May 2025 and already has thousands of subscribers. She’s deeply involved in the content, from the "daily joy plans" to hosting live "Happiness Hours."
- The Podcast: She’s still doing her Making Space podcast, but it’s evolved. It’s less about celebrity interviews now and more focused on self-discovery and mental health.
- The NBC Safety Net: She didn't totally quit TV. She still shows up for the big stuff—the Olympics, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Rose Parade. She’s basically the "cool aunt" of NBC now who comes over for the holidays but doesn't have to deal with the daily chores.
- Writing: She released a new book called Jump and Find Joy, which is essentially the manifesto for this whole career change.
It’s a massive shift. Going from a "cheerleader" on TV to a leader of a business has been a learning curve for her. She mentioned in a recent interview in St. Louis that being the boss is "the hardest and most rewarding thing" she’s ever done.
Why She Isn't Coming Back to the Anchor Chair
A lot of people keep asking if this is just a temporary break. It doesn't look like it. Sheinelle Jones officially took over Hoda’s spot alongside Jenna Bush Hager in January 2026, and the show has officially been rebranded as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
Hoda seems genuinely happy for them. She even posted on Instagram about how "proud" she was of the new duo. When you see her now—covering the U.S. Figure Skating Championships or prepping for the upcoming Olympics—she looks lighter. The bags under her eyes from those 3:00 AM wake-up calls are gone.
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The Financial Side of the Pivot
You might wonder how someone walks away from a multi-million dollar NBC contract. Well, Joy 101 is already attracting major investment. In late 2025, CapStone Holdings put a significant chunk of money into the company after seeing the app's rapid growth. They saw 40,000 sign-ups in the first week alone.
She’s also planning something called JoyFest for the spring of 2026. It’s supposed to be a massive, full-day wellness event. Basically, she’s building her own version of the Oprah empire, but with a "Hoda" twist of authenticity and less "you get a car" energy.
How to Follow Hoda's New Path
If you miss seeing her every morning, you can still find her, you just have to look in different places. The Hoda Kotb new job is more about community than broadcast.
- The Joy 101 App: This is where the bulk of her new work lives. It’s designed for women who feel "stuck" or "rushed" and want to find a slower rhythm.
- Special NBC Events: Keep an eye out during major holidays or sports milestones. She’s still the face of the Olympics for many viewers.
- Social Media: She’s remarkably active on Instagram, sharing the "behind-the-scenes" of her life as a mom and an entrepreneur.
The transition hasn't been perfect. She admitted she felt "painful" leaving the Today family. But she also says that "two things can be true at once." You can love where you were and still know it’s time to go.
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If you're looking to apply some of Hoda's "new chapter" logic to your own life, here’s the takeaway. First, look at your "time pie." If your job is taking the biggest slice and leaving nothing for your family or your health, something has to give. Second, don't be afraid to "tiptoe" into something new. Hoda didn't launch a wellness empire overnight; she started by getting "hooked" on meditation and breathwork a few years ago.
Start small. Maybe that's a five-minute walk or finally starting that side project you've been talking about for years. You don't need a million-dollar investment to reclaim your joy. You just need to take that first step, even if it feels a little "woo-woo" at first.