Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Show Absence Has Finally Been Explained

Hoda Kotb, who was officially named co-anchor of Today in 2018, has been missing from her NBC morning news program since mid-February without any explanation. On Wednesday, her absence was finally addressed on-air and described as “a family health matter.”

Craig Melvin, who was co-hosting the show alongside fellow anchor Sheinelle Jones and veterman weatherman Al Roker, told Today viewers: “As for Hoda—we know a lot of you have been wondering how she is doing. We can tell you that Hoda is okay. She has got a family health matter that she has been dealing with.”

Melvin also offered an update on Kotb’s co-host Savannah Guthrie, sharing that she tested positive for COVID on Feb. 28 and left the Today desk that day after 7:30 a.m. ET. “Savannah—she is at home after a positive COVID test yesterday,” he explained. “We are wishing our friend a speedy recovery,” adding that “we look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very, very soon.”

Speculation about the circumstances surrounding Kotb’s leave have persisted since her last on-air appearance alongside Jenna Bush Hager for their Today with Hoda and Jenna show. Kotb was last present for a President’s Day broadcast that was filmed prior to the holiday. The 58-year-old host, who is mother to daughters Haley and Hope, has been active on Instagram despite her absence, where she has been posting vaguely inspirational messages including, “Sometimes miracles are just people with kind hearts” and Monday’s adage to “Choose hope.”