TODAY’S Hoda Kotb has been spotted looking solemn during a walk with her daughter amid her over a week-long absence from the morning show.
Photos captured the 58-year-old for the first time since her co-hosts revealed she was dealing with a “family health matter.”
SplashHoda Kotb has been spotted looking solemn while walking in New York City on Wednesday afternoon[/caption]
SplashShe was picking up her six-year-old daughter, Haley, from school[/caption]
SplashThe photos came just hours after her co-hosts explained her absence from the Today Show, saying she’s been dealing with a ‘family health’ matter[/caption]
In the pics, Hoda walked alongside her oldest daughter, Haley Joy, after picking the tot up from school in New York City on Wednesday afternoon.
The anchor dressed warmly in black pants, boots, a puffy white coat, and a gray winter hat.
She smiled with the six-year-old who rode next to her on her purple scooter in several snaps.
Haley clearly enjoyed the mother-daughter time as she grinned from ear to ear, donning pants with stars on them, a gray coat, black boots, and a colorful helmet.
Hoda – who is also a mom to a three-year-old daughter Hope Catherine – held her eldest child’s pink backpack and doled out Goldfish crackers out of a sandwich bag to the youngster as they strolled down the sidewalk.
Other photos showed the TV personality looking somber while staring into the distance and talking on the phone, sporting a white hat with a pom pom on top.
The sighting came just hours after Hoda’s Today co-anchors explained her extended absence from the program.
On Wednesday’s show, Craig Melvin, 43, explained: “Many of you have been asking about Hoda. Hoda is okay. She has a family health matter she’s been dealing with.”
Following the brief statement, Craig moved on with the broadcast, offering no more information regarding Hoda’s return.
FANS’ CONCERNS
Hoda’s recent posts have left her followers confused and wondering what is happening with the anchor.
She has not been featured on Today since President’s Day, when she appeared on a pre-recorded segment.
The author’s latest Instagram post showed a photograph of some clouds with the phrase “Choose Hope” after her last appearance in person on the show on February 17.
She captioned the post with some heart emojis, prompting a wave of concern from her fans and followers.
“Ok. Seriously,” one concerned fan wrote. “What is going on with you?
“I know you have a right to privacy, but your truest fans have noticed your absence, and these posts. Worried about you.”
“Find it difficult to watch with you not being there,” added a second viewer.
A third wrote: “Your bright smile is missed. Keeping a good thought for you.”
“Miss you and sending prayers for whatever is going on with you,” remarked a fourth GMA aficionado.
SUDDEN ABSENCE
Hoda’s past Instagram posts were filled with motivational quotes and slogans, with simple captions that wish followers a happy day and ask them to treat others with kindness.
On February 18, the TV star shared a throwback photo of herself and her niece, who was celebrating her 16th birthday.
“How are you 16???? I love you, Hannah!!!! Amazing niece,” she wrote.
Until Wednesday, her coworkers hadn’t explained Hoda’s absence, worrying fans further.
The last time she was away from Today was about a year ago when she revealed she’d contracted COVID-19.
The mother of two shared the news on her social media and kept her followers updated about her health.
“Thx for the well wishes!” she tweeted.
“Feeling good.. can’t wait to see you all when I am in the clear! Xo.”
Hoda’s colleagues have been holding down the fort while she’s gone, especially since her co-host, Savannah Guthrie, 51, was also out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Craig, Al Roker, 68, Carson Daly, 49, Sheinelle Jones, 44, and Dylan Dreyer, 41, have filled in for the pair, and Willie Geist, 47, was Hoda’s replacement on Thursday on Hoda & Jenna, opposite her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, 41.
Instagram/@hodakotbHoda is also a mom to a three-year-old daughter, Hope[/caption]
GettyHoda has not appeared on Today since President’s Day when she was featured on a pre-recorded segment[/caption]
