This article has been updated to provide more details.

Hoda Kotb is saying farewell to the “Today” show.

Kotb became emotional while announcing her departure live on NBC’s show Thursday morning, calling it the “hardest thing in the world.” She reflected on turning 60 last month, which she described as a “monumental” event that encouraged her to consider the next decade of her life.

“I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and explore new opportunities,” she stated, adding, “This is the perfect moment for me to move on.”

Kotb also mentioned that her children warrant a “larger share of my time.” She intends to leave “Today” in early 2025.

Kotb has been part of NBC News since 1998, starting as a correspondent for “Dateline.” She has been co-anchoring the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie since 2018, having stepped into the role after Matt Lauer’s termination in 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Additionally, she has co-hosted the fourth hour of the “Today” show since 2007, more recently alongside Jenna Bush Hager.

Guthrie became emotional during Thursday’s announcement, expressing her love for Kotb and how difficult it would be to envision the show without her.

“I’m so proud of you, my friend,” Guthrie remarked. “It takes courage to leave when you’re at the peak of your career, leaving behind something you cherish, something that is comfortable and enjoyable, to pursue even bigger dreams for yourself. You truly inspire me. I love you.”

Guthrie and Hager held Kotb’s hands as they sat beside her during the announcement, with Hager promising that she would still be visiting Kotb even after her leave, noting, “I’ll show up at your doorstep, and we will be friends forever.”

Al Roker shared that he has “never met anyone” like Kotb, while Craig Melvin emphasized that she is truly herself both on and off air. “You have been the heart of this show for so long,” he remarked. “That’s irreplaceable.”

Kotb mentioned that she realized it was time for her departure during her 60th birthday celebration on the show last month, thinking, “This is the peak moment for me, and I realized, ‘It can’t get better than this.'”

In a note shared with “Today” staff on Today.com, Kotb confirmed she will remain part of the “NBC family” after her exit from the show, although she didn’t disclosed her future role.

“I’m happily and gratefully committed to staying with the NBC family, the longest professional relationship I’ve been privileged to cherish,” she expressed. “I’ll still be around. Family is family, and you will always hold a special place in mine.”

Telling her colleagues on the show that “you don’t abandon family,” Kotb assured during her on-air announcement, “I plan to be a presence in your lives for a very long time.”