Family issue keeping Hoda from ‘Today’ duties
Hoda Kotb’s recent absence from “Today” is due to a family health matter, her co-hosts said on Wednesday’s episode.
Kotb last appeared on a live broadcast of the NBC morning show on Feb. 17.
“We know a lot of you have been wondering how she’s doing,” Craig Melvin said. “We can tell you that Hoda’s OK. She’s got a family health matter that she has been dealing with.”
Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie also missed Wednesday’s show after testing positive for COVID-19 a day earlier. She left during Tuesday’s episode after learning of her positive test.
“We look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very, very soon,” Melvin said Wednesday.
Kotb, who joined NBC in 1998, became Guthrie’s “Today” co-anchor in 2018. She also co-hosts the show’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager.
Melvin anchored Wednesday’s main show with Sheinelle Jones, who made the announcement on Tuesday’s episode that Guthrie tested positive.
“As soon as we found out, she rushed home to rest up,” Jones said. “Savannah, we love you. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Throughout her absence, Kotb, 58, has posted inspirational quotes on Instagram, including one Monday that reads, “Choose hope.”
“Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts,” read another post Sunday.
“Today” meteorologist Al Roker returned to the show in January following multiple hospitalizations. The Queens-born broadcaster was initially treated in November for blood clots and later underwent surgery for a perforation in his small intestine.
“I’m blessed to be alive,” Roker told People in January.
On Wednesday’s show, Roker shared well-wishes for Kotb and Guthrie.
“We love you both,” Roker said before blowing a kiss toward the camera.