If you’ve been flipping on the TV at 7 a.m. lately and felt like something was missing, you aren't crazy. The studio feels different. That specific, high-energy morning glow is gone. Hoda Kotb is officially off the desk.
People are still frantically searching for when is hodas last day on today because, honestly, it’s hard to believe she’s actually gone. After 26 years at NBC and 17 years at the Today show, the "Hoda-bration" has finally come to an end.
She left. It’s done.
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The Official Date: When Was Hodas Last Day on Today?
The calendar hit Friday, January 10, 2025, and that was it. That was the official end of an era.
It wasn't a quiet exit. NBC went all out with a week-long celebration they called the "Hoda-bration," which sounds a bit cheesy, but for a woman who has been the heartbeat of the show, it actually felt right. They moved the fourth hour to Studio 8G—the same place where Seth Meyers films—just to fit in a massive live audience.
Kermit the Frog showed up. I’m serious. He sang "Rainbow Connection" to her while she sat there with her daughters, Haley and Hope. If you didn't tear up watching that, you might be made of stone.
Why Did Hoda Actually Leave?
Basically, she turned 60 and had a "what am I doing with my life?" moment. Most of us have those at 2:00 a.m. after too much caffeine, but for Hoda, it was a profound shift in priorities.
She talked a lot about her "time pie." She realized that if she wanted to be excellent at her job, she was losing pieces of her life at home. She wanted more time for her kids. She wanted to be the one taking them to school, not the one they saw on a screen while eating breakfast.
Plus, she had a rough 2023. Her daughter Hope had a health scare that landed her in the ICU, and that kind of thing changes a person. It makes a 4:00 a.m. alarm clock feel a lot less important.
The New Lineup: Who Took Her Seat?
You can’t just leave a hole in the morning news. The transition happened fast.
- Craig Melvin stepped into the main co-anchor role alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday, January 13, 2025.
- Sheinelle Jones eventually took the permanent spot next to Jenna Bush Hager for the fourth hour.
- The fourth hour was officially renamed Jenna & Sheinelle just this month, in January 2026.
What is Hoda Doing Now in 2026?
If you're looking for her on NBC, you’re mostly out of luck. She isn't retired in the "sitting on a porch" sense, though. She’s busy.
She just launched a wellness brand called Joy 101. It’s not just an app; she’s doing retreats and a podcast. She also recently announced a new show called Joy Rides in partnership with QVC. It’s a talk show, but not the kind we’re used to—it’s more about personal growth and "transformational" conversations.
She actually just popped back onto the Today set as a guest a few days ago, around January 12, 2026, to celebrate Jenna and Sheinelle’s first official week as a permanent duo. She looked happy. Relaxed. Like she’s finally getting enough sleep.
The Legacy of the Fourth Hour
It’s weird to think back to 2007 when the fourth hour started. It was Hoda and Kathie Lee Gifford with their wine glasses, and everyone thought it was a bit chaotic. It was. But it worked.
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When Kathie Lee left in 2019 and Jenna Bush Hager stepped in, the vibe changed but the soul stayed. Hoda has this way of making guests feel like they’re just chatting in a living room. That’s why people are still Googling when is hodas last day on today—they want to make sure they didn't miss a chance to say goodbye.
What You Should Do Next
If you miss Hoda's energy, here is how you can still keep up with her:
- Check out Joy 101: This is her new "baby." If you liked her inspirational segments on Today, this is where that vibe lives now.
- Watch for Joy Rides: Her new project isn't on traditional network TV, so you'll have to look for it through QVC's streaming platforms.
- Support the New Crew: Craig Melvin is doing a great job in the main anchor chair. He’s got a different energy—maybe a bit more "newsy"—but he fits the family.
The "Hoda-bration" is over, but the morning show goes on. It’s just a little quieter without that signature laugh.