If you’re a loyal Today show viewer, you probably noticed co-host Hoda Kotb has been absent from the morning show for nearly two weeks with no explanation.
On Wednesday her colleagues revealed the reason for her absence.
“We know a lot of you have been wondering how she [Hoda] is doing. We can tell you that Hoda is OK. She has got a family health matter that she has been dealing with,” Craig Melvin said Wednesday morning.
Both @SavannahGuthrie and @HodaKotb are off today, with Savannah recovering from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. As for Hoda, she is okay and handling a family health matter. We’re sending our love to them both and can’t wait to see them in the studio soon 🧡 pic.twitter.com/EcfVV1zsac
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 1, 2023
Kotb, 58, made her last live appearance on Today on February 17, though she did appear during a pre-taped episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna that aired on February 20, which was President’s Day.
Since then no one, including Kotb, has offered an explanation for her sudden disappearance. Fans have been left to speculate where she went and what she’s been up to.
During her time off the Today show co-host has remained active on Instagram sharing inspirational messages. Her most recent, “choose hope.”
Some questioned whether Kotb was in the process of adopting another child.
At the start of Wednesday’s show, Melvin took a moment to address Savannah Guthrie’s abrupt exit from Tuesday’s broadcast – she tested positive for COVID – as well as Kotb’s near two-week absence.
“We mentioned that Savannah and Hoda are both off. Savannah, she’s home after a positive COVID test yesterday. We are wishing our friend a speedy recovery,” he said. “And as for Hoda, we know a lot of you have been wondering how she’s doing. We can tell you that Hoda’s okay. She’s got a family health matter that she’s been dealing with, so we look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back at the desk real, real soon.”
“We love you both,” Al Roker added.
Jenna Bush Hager who was joined by Willie Geist for Today with Hoda and Jenna also let viewers know that they heard everyone’s concerns and wanted them to know Hoda was okay.
“She just has a family health matter she is dealing with.”
Whatever Hoda is dealing with I hope everything works out alright. I hope she knows she has countless people praying for her and her family right now.
Please share if you miss seeing Hoda Kotb on the Today show and can’t wait for her to return.