Hoda Kotb’s on-air absence was finally disclosed

Hoda Kotb, the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has been absent from her hosting duties since February 17 due to a family health issue. While her colleagues have been filling in for her, the reason for her absence had not been explained to viewers until Wednesday’s episode of the show. During the episode, Craig Melvin revealed that Kotb was okay and dealing with a family health matter.

Kotb co-anchors Today with Savannah Guthrie, and the two are also co-hosts of the show’s fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager. However, Guthrie was also absent from the show after testing positive for COVID-19, leaving Today’s family members, including Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, to fill in beside Guthrie.

Both @SavannahGuthrie and @HodaKotb are off today, with Savannah recovering from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. As for Hoda, she is okay and handling a family health matter. We’re sending our love to them both and can’t wait to see them in the studio soon 🧡 pic.twitter.com/EcfVV1zsac

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 1, 2023

Despite her absence from the show, Kotb has been active on social media, sharing inspirational and encouraging messages with her followers. Some of her recent Instagram posts have included quotes such as “Choose hope” and “Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.” Other posts have focused on strong and brave people finding light through dark clouds.

Fans have been expressing their concern for the beloved Today personality, who has not hosted a live show since February 17. Kotb has yet to address her leave, but her followers are sending her well wishes and hoping for her speedy recovery.

Kotb’s absence from the show comes just after weatherman Al Roker’s own health crisis, which caused him to be absent from Today for two months. Roker was welcomed back to the show in January, with fans holding up “Welcome Back” signs outside of the studio to celebrate his return.

The Today show airs on weekdays beginning at 7 a.m. on NBC.