Hoda Kotb, an NBC News mainstay who co-anchored the main hours of NBC’s “Today” when longtime anchor Matt Lauer was ousted in 2017, will leave the program early next year, opening not one, but two major openings. roles on the network’s flagship morning franchise.

Kotb spoke about the program Thursday morning, mentioning a desire to spend time with two young daughters. She is expected to continue contributing to the program after her departure in early 2025.

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Her shoes will be hard to fill. Kotb not only anchors the first two hours of “Today” with Savannah Guthrie, but she is also a regular on the 10 a.m. lighter hour, which she co-anchored with Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford.

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