TODAY host Hoda Kotb has returned to the morning show after her mysterious hiatus from the broadcast.
Hoda, 58, explained the reason for her absence while choking back tears Monday morning.
GettyToday’s Hoda Kotb- pictured here with co-host Jenna Bush Hager- returned to the morning show after her abrupt hiatus from the broadcast[/caption]
GettyHoda provided viewers with the reasoning behind her roughly two-week absence[/caption]
Hoda told viewers: “My youngest daughter Hope was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week and I’m so grateful she’s home.”
“She is back home and I’ve been waiting for that day to come and we are watching her closely.”
“I realize when your child is ill, the amount of gratitude you can have for people for who helped you out…” Hoda continued.
“I’m grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who are amazing and the nurses and I’m grateful to my family and friends like you who were there every single day.”
Monday was also Savannah Guthrie’s first day back at the anchor seat since leaving early last week after testing positive for COVID.
On Friday, Hoda’s NBC colleague Al Roker, 68, told Page Six that the fan-favorite TV personality was “doing fine.”
The meteorologist continued: “She’s going to be just fine. She’s dealing with what she’s gotta deal will and all will be good.”
This isn’t the first time an anchor has referenced Hoda’s swift and unexplained disappearance from the show.
The star had been absent from the line-up for about two weeks, with many fans wondering why, and when she planned to return.
On Wednesday’s show, Craig Melvin, 43, briefly explained Hoda’s absence: “Many of you have been asking about Hoda. Hoda is OK. She has a family health matter she’s been dealing with.”
At the time he did not offer additional details regarding his co-host’s whereabouts or future plans.
Hours later, photos captured Hoda looking solemn while picking up her six-year-old daughter, Haley Joy, from school.
In the absence of an explanation, fans created theories of their own.
VIEWER THEORIES
After spotting clues on social media, some believe she adopted another child.
“Did you get another baby, Hoda? This is usually what happens when you go missing for 2 weeks. Sure hope, it’s something good,” wrote one fan on Instagram.
A lot of people replied and said they were “thinking the same thing.”
Another follower asked: “Ok. Seriously… 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.”
“Maybe she’s adding to her family? She has mentioned it before,” said one follower.
Hoda is the mother to two daughters – Haley Joy and Hope Catherine – with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman.
She and Joel have remained friendly as they co-parent their children, whom they adopted.
HODA SIGHTING
Hoda made an appearance on Friday’s episode of the morning show in a pre-taped clip on the broadcast.
In the segment narrated by co-anchor Sheinelle Jones, 44, Hoda sat down with actress Olivia Newton-John‘s husband, John Easterling, and daughter Chloe to discuss how they’re moving on since the late star’s death in August 2022.
Hoda donned a white shirt and a bright blue blazer for the interview, with her shoulder-length brown locks flowing down.
She looked emotional in the video while talking about the singer’s legacy with her family.
CONCERNED FANS
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.
Hoda 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.”
“Miss you and sending prayers for whatever is going on with you,” remarked another user before her return.
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.
Instagram/Craig MelvinHoda’s NBC colleagues Al Roker and Craig Melvin informed viewers with updates on the host during her absence[/caption]
Instagram/Hoda KotbHoda with her daughters Haley Joy and Hope with whom she co-parents with her ex Joel Schiffman[/caption]
Hoda’s recent Instagram posts have been filled with motivational quotes and slogansGetty
