Hoda Kotb is taking a vacation from her Today show anchoring duties to focus on a “family health concern,” her colleagues disclosed on Wednesday.
The Emmy-winning journalist, who co-anchors Today with Savannah Guthrie and co-hosts the NBC daytime show’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager, has been off the air since Feb. 17, but she did appear in a pre-recorded episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna that aired on President’s Day, Feb. 20.
Until Wednesday, her absence had gone unnoticed by spectators, with Guthrie and colleagues just stating that she was “out.” Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, both Today cast members, have been filling in for Guthrie.
Guthrie had to leave the set on Tuesday morning after testing positive for coronavirus.
Melvin and Jones were the stars of Wednesday’s episode. Melvin provided some perspective into how Kotb and Guthrie were doing around 7:30 a.m.
“Savannah and Hoda have both been mentioned as being absent. Savannah had returned home following a positive COVID test the day before. We wish our pal a quick recovery “He stated. “And we know many of you have been asking how Hoda is doing. We can assure you that Hoda is OK. She’s been dealing with a family health issue, so we’re hoping to see Hoda and Savannah back at the desk very soon.”
“We adore you both,” Today’s Al Roker added.
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
During her absence, Kotb has remained active on social media, providing encouraging and motivating words.
“Choose hope,” she said in a message on Monday, while on Sunday she said, “Sometimes miracles are just nice people with loving hearts.”
“Here’s to courageous ladies everywhere. We hope to get to know them. We hope to be them. We may raise them, “Kotb’s post from February 24 read. “I see you… you powerful ladies, “Kotb elaborated.
Several posts in the last week have discussed how “black clouds” pass and one specifically depicted a kid figure being told, “One day you will see just how brave you have been.”
On Tuesday morning’s episode, viewers saw Guthrie exit in real-time.
“By the way, it’s been an unusual morning for us,” Jones said midway through the show. “Savannah, as previously stated, departed early since she wasn’t feeling well, so she did a COVID exam. It was found to be positive.”
Jones went on to say, “As soon as we found out, she went home to relax. So Savannah, we adore you and hope you have a quick recovery.”
Roker returned to Today in January following his own health problem. He’d been gone for two months due to a life-threatening health problem.
Guthrie, Kotb, and scores of supporters holding “Welcome Back” placards outside the studio greeted the beloved Today host.
Roker was overcome with emotion. “I’ve missed you guys so much,” he admitted. “You’re my second family, and it’s wonderful to be back – and in pants! It’s a lot of fun.”
“My heart is literally bursting,” he exclaimed. “I’m overjoyed to see all of you and the staff. I’m currently running on adrenaline.”