Since mid-February, viewers have expressed concern over Hoda Kotb missing from the “Today” show with no real explanation for her absence. Savannah Guthrie has been “out,” too. Their absences were finally explained.
Hoda Kotb suddenly goes missing from the ‘Today’ show
Hoda Kotb, who was officially named a co-anchor of NBC’s Today show in 2018, has been missing from the morning news program since mid-February, and the lack of explanation has had viewers in a panic.
Speculation has been rising surrounding Hoda’s absence since her last on-air appearance on the Today with Hoda & Jenna show, which was a Presidents’ Day broadcast that was filmed prior to the holiday, Vanity Fair reports. Her last taped broadcast was February 17. Until now, colleagues have simply said she is “out.”
Confusing matters even more, even though Hoda has been missing from the morning news broadcast, she has remained active on Instagram. However, what she has posted has also offered no explanations. Instead, she has posted vague, inspirational messages, such as “Choose hope,” which she posted on Monday. On Sunday, Hoda posted on Instagram: “Sometimes miracles are just people with kind hearts.”
Over the past week, Hoda has made other posts such as how “dark clouds” move on. One post showed a child figure being told: “One day you will see just how brave you have been.”
On February 24, Hoda posted: “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
Savannah goes off air as well
Also missing in action as of last Tuesday is another Today show host, Savannah Guthrie. With two people out, viewers have leaped to all kinds of conclusions.
Hoda’s and Savannah’s absences finally explained
On Wednesday, Hoda Kotb’s NBC colleagues finally offered a few details explaining why the co-host has been absent from the morning news broadcast.
Hoda has taken a leave of absence to briefly step away from the Today show to focus on a “family health issue,” People reported.
“We mentioned that Savannah and Hoda are both off,” said Craig Melvin on Wednesday’s show. “Savannah, she’s home after a positive COVID test yesterday. We are wishing our friend a speedy recovery.”
“And as for Hoda,” Melvin continued, “we know a lot of you have been wondering how she’s doing. We can tell you that Hoda’s okay. She’s got a family health matter that she’s been dealing with, so we look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back at the desk real, real soon.”
“We love you both,” weatherman Al Roker added.
This marks the third COVID diagnosis for Guthrie, who tested positive for the virus in January and May of 2022, USA Today reported.
