Hoda Kotb Teases Her Surprising Next Project AfterTodayDeparture — and It's Not in Journalism (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Hoda Kotb.Photo:Brian Doben

Brian Doben

After 38 years of chasing stories and reporting behind a desk,Hoda Kotbis turning the page on journalism as she looks towards a new chapter in her life.

In late September, Kotb made the surprising announcement that she would beleavingTodayafter 17 yearsto focus on her daughters,Haley JoyandHope Catherine. Now, in her exclusive sit down with PEOPLE, the longtime broadcaster, 60, opens up about a new project she has waiting in the wings.

“I have something that I am super excited about that’s in its infancy.” Kotb says in this week’s cover story.

Hoda Kotb for PEOPLE Magazine.Brian Doben

The television personality says she’s “still early on in the stages” of getting a “really good wellness app together and do wellness retreats and things like that.”

“I think it would be, number one, fun, and number two, helpful,” Kotb continues. “When I learned some of these things, I was like, ‘Wait, why do I feel like my baseline feels less stressed? Why do I feel this way?’ So I was talking about this stuff, and so the more you’re interested the more you go down kind of that path.”

While her new business venture is still “down the road,” she says “it is something that I’m excited about exploring and seeing what’s out there.”

On Sept. 26, Kotb announced her departure to NBC staff in a touching letter before revealing her exit on air.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love youandit’s time for me to leave the show.”

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Hoda Kotb.Brian Doben

Explaining her reasoning, Kotb added in part, “My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my momneed and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.”

“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she added.

Kotb tells PEOPLE her last day onTodayis “still being figured out.” She’ll continue to co-anchorTodaywith Gutherie and co-hostToday’s fourth hour withJenna Bush Hager, until the beginning of 2025.

For more on Hoda Kotb, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.

source: people.com