On live television Thursday morning, TODAY co-host Hoda Kotb emotionally announced that she planned to step away from the NBC show after five years.

But what exactly awaits her?

“I’ve got news,” Kotb said, holding back tears as co-host Savannah Guthrie held her hand. “So I did the math and I realized I’ve worked at NBC for 26 years. And I just turned 60.”

Kotb went on to say that her milestone birthday was a “monumental moment.”

“I started thinking about that decade,” Kotb said. “What’s that decade going to mean, what does it hold for me, what’s it going to mean for me? And I realized it was time to turn the page at 60 and try something new.”

Kotb said she realized this during her 60th anniversary celebration on the show.

‘Time for me to leave the show:’ Read Hoda’s full letter announcing his departure from TODAY

“I remember standing outside and looking at this beautiful group of people with these beautiful signs, and I thought, ‘This is what it feels like for me to be at the peak of the wave.’ I thought, it can’t get any better. I decided this was the right time to move on.”

Kotb added that her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, played a role in the decision.

“Of course, I had my children late in life, and I thought they deserved a bigger share of my time than I have,” she said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.”

“And when I read all of this, this is the hardest thing,” Kotb said, wiping away a tear.

Kotb went on to say that she planned to stay with TODAY through January 1, 2025, and that she wanted to remain in the “NBC family,” but she did not elaborate further.

Guthrie, holding back her own tears, replied, “We can’t imagine this place without you.”

“You have so much courage. You inspire me,” Guthrie said. Guthrie added softly that she also dreams bigger for herself.

Jenna Hager Bush, sitting across from Guthrie, told Kotb, “It’s not over yet,” as she held a tissue in her lap.

“You don’t leave your family,” Kotb replied.

As the emotional moments continued, Guthrie took a moment to try to clarify matters.

“I have to let people know that she is not leaving the NBC family,” Guthrie said. “You will see her, and we will see her.”

Guthrie then looks Kotb in the eye. “Right? You told me, didn’t you?” Gurthrie said.

“Yes,” Kotb nodded. “I promise.”

Guthrie closed by calling Kotb the “sunshine” of the show.

“We love you enough to chase your dreams and find the next chapter,” Guthrie said. “We can’t wait to see what you do next. We’ll just be here waiting for you.”

Kotb also shared an emotional letter to TODAY staff on Sept. 26 about her decision to resign, TODAY.com reported.

The full letter can be found below:

To my TODAY family,

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

My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life. But that was only because you were by my side for this 26-year adventure. When I look back, the math is insane. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven at seven, sixteen at ten. I see your faces and your families and all the ways you lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships. Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend on 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at TODAY terribly.

I’ve been thinking about this decision for a while – Am I really ready? But celebrating my 60th birthday at the Plaza felt like a change. Like a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career has been more than meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time. I will miss you all terribly, but I am ready and excited.

Since I’m working through early 2025, there’s plenty of time to talk about what’s in store for all of us. But I know one thing for sure now: everything will be okay. The peacock’s feathers are never ruffled…no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its wonderful people—all of you—never falter. You always face change with grace and courage.

Fortunately and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have been fortunate enough to hold dear to my heart. I will be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of mine.

Love,

Hoda

Hoda posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday with the phrase, “Btw I’m wearing the smile you gave me,” captioned with, “Happy Thursday xx and thank you.”