The sudden and emotional exit of longtime host Hoda Kotb from NBC’s “Today Show” earlier this year was not about her career at all—it was about her family.

On Wednesday, May 28, Kotb made her first appearance back on the “Today Show” since departing in early January. During the segment, she bravely opened up about the personal struggle that influenced her departure. According to Fox News, the 60-year-old mother of two shared that her youngest daughter, Hope, was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition.

Hope, just 6 years old, had initially displayed symptoms that resembled the flu, prompting Kotb to seek immediate medical attention. The severity and long-term complexity of the diagnosis quickly became clear. As the family adjusted to daily insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring, Kotb found herself balancing full-time parenting with high-stakes, early morning television work.

That conflict eventually became too much. “[Hope’s condition] weighed in,” Kotb said, noting that her role on “Today” often left her feeling torn. Managing her daughter’s health wasn’t something that could be postponed or delegated easily. “You’re constantly monitoring, constantly checking,” she explained.

A Difficult Choice Between Career and Care

When asked how she ultimately decided to leave her role after more than a decade on the show, Kotb described facing a personal reckoning. The mental load of worry and physical demands of monitoring Hope’s condition began to interfere with her professional obligations. “You're distracted,” she confessed. “You just get a priority check in your life.”

On January 10, her final day on set, Kotb was photographed walking hand-in-hand with both of her daughters, Hope and 8-year-old Haley. That moment symbolized the focus and direction her life would take moving forward. She stepped away, not out of professional fatigue but to protect and support her child in a time of need.

“I can be here and sweating what’s happening to Hope in the morning and the night,” Kotb noted, “or I can be there and feel relief.” The decision, while personally challenging, brought her a sense of clarity. Kotb wanted to be present not only for her daughter’s medical needs but also for her emotional growth.

Adjusting to a New Normal at Home

Managing a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes in a child requires constant vigilance. Type 1 is a disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, making insulin injections and blood sugar checks a daily necessity. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors, Type 1 can affect children and young adults with little warning or explanation.

Kotb explained how she closely tracks Hope’s health throughout the day but strives to avoid making her overly aware of the burden. She calculated that the actual health checks added up to about 30 minutes daily. “So for 23 ½ hours, she’s every other kid. So, I try to remember that,” she mentioned. It’s a balancing act of maintaining medical oversight while preserving the joys of childhood.

As a parent, Kotb has had to learn how to give her kids structure without overwhelming them with stress. Her philosophy now is simple: “Let them be kids and give them what they need when they need it.” She also stressed not transferring one’s anxieties to the child, saying, “Watch them, but don’t put your worry on them.”

The Impact of Public Figures Sharing Private Struggles

By coming forward with her story, Kotb has pulled back the curtain on a deeply personal journey with implications for many families facing similar challenges. While her platform enabled her to leave her job and focus on her family full-time, many viewers at home may not have that option. Her openness can offer both solace and guidance for those navigating the pressures of parenting children with serious health conditions.

Her story also emphasizes that these personal crises don’t stop when the camera is rolling. Kotb said she frequently juggled her daughter’s care while preparing for live television. That emotional push-pull underscored her decision to step away in January—an act more about protecting her daughter than abandoning her audience.

Although her role on “Today” is behind her for now, Kotb continues to use her voice to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and the emotional realities of being a parent in crisis. Her candid reflections are already resonating with fans and viewers across the country.

Why This Story Matters

This story brings necessary attention to the challenges families with chronically ill children face behind the scenes. It strips away the glamour of television life to reveal what matters—loved ones and health. Kotb’s transparency transforms a celebrity anecdote into a vital conversation about care, boundaries, and the invisible toll of illness. Community compassion begins with understanding stories like this one. It reminds us all that even among success and fame, nobody is immune to hardship, and how we respond to it defines our character more than any professional success ever could.

Conclusion

Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave "The Today Show" in January 2025 stemmed from a life-changing diagnosis her daughter Hope received: type 1 diabetes. Her public explanation, given during her first return to the program months later, offered insight into how the demands of health care and motherhood forced a difficult yet necessary career hiatus. From recognizing unusual symptoms to finding strength in prioritizing family, Kotb’s story sheds light on both the struggle and resilience of parenting through medical crisis.