Hoda Kotb hints at new ventures, plans to start a wellness company after leaving ‘Today’
Fans of Hoda Kotb will not have to wait long to see what she does next.
The co-anchor of the “Today” show, who announced in September her decision to leave after nearly twenty years with the program, including six as lead co-anchor, hinted at her future plans during a recent appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” With her final day on Friday, Kotb stopped by the NBC talk show on Monday to say goodbye and share what is on the horizon for her.
“I am launching a wellness app and company that will feature retreats and a podcast,” she shared with Clarkson. “This is meant to leave you feeling transformed and different when you leave.”
This concept began a few years back when she became intrigued by the wellness field, initially skeptical of various treatments she later found beneficial.
“We’re currently in the development phase,” Kotb said, adding that she anticipates launching the initiative in the spring.
Her shift in focus isn’t completely unexpected for dedicated viewers. Back in October, Kotb led a wellness retreat for 150 participants at the Miraval Austin Resort and Spa in Houston.
During the event, YSL News’s Erin Jensen interviewed Kotb about the decision to pursue this new path.
“I figured I’d just eat healthy and exercise, and I’d feel fine,” she explained regarding health in her 50s. “That worked for a day, but then I realized there must be something deeper beyond diet and exercise. We need more than that.”
“I’ve received far more blessings than I deserve, so I’m entering this new phase of giving, assisting, and mentoring, hoping to make a positive impact in others’ lives,” she expressed.
However, leaving “Today” brings its own sadness for her.
“I’m not great at farewells,” Kotb admitted to Clarkson. “I embrace change, but saying goodbye is challenging for me.”
Although she looks forward to spending more time with her daughters, she expressed missing her warm relationships with coworkers like Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, and Savannah Guthrie.
“It’s hard when you love something so deeply, but also recognize it’s time for a change,” she reflected.
Craig Melvin, the current host of “Today Third Hour,” will take over Kotb’s role. He shared a fond memory of her in a video tribute shown on Clarkson’s show.
“My favorite Hoda moments are from the Olympics because, aside from the athletes and their families, no one is more passionate about Team USA than Hoda Kotb,” Melvin reminisced.