Hoda Kotb Returns to Today Show After Family Health Matter

Hoda Kotb has returned to the Today show after a two-week absence due to a family health matter.[0] On Monday's show, the 58-year-old anchor addressed her temporary leave, revealing that her 3-year-old daughter had been in the ICU and the hospital for a little over a week.

Kotb's last live appearance on Today was on February In two later pre-taped segments, she was featured.[1] On March 1, Craig Melvin took a moment to explain why he and Guthrie were absent, as Guthrie had tested positive for COVID the previous week.[1] He said that while Kotb was “OK,” she had a “family health matter that she's been dealing with.”[1]

Kotb's last live appearance was on Feb. 17. She pre-recorded an appearance on the fourth hour of Today with Jenna Bush Hager which aired on Presidents Day, Feb. 20.[2] Last week, after reports of Kotb's absence from the show, Craig Melvin informed viewers that she was dealing with a family health issue.[3]

Kotb told her Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie that her youngest, Hope, had been in the ICU for a few days, followed by more than a week in the hospital.[4] I am overjoyed that she has returned home. I was eagerly anticipating the day she would be back, and we are observing her carefully. I am elated.[4]

“Savannah,” she continued, “I also came to realize that when your child is sick, you can be so grateful for those who helped you.” I am incredibly thankful to the doctors and nurses at Weill Cornell who were wonderful. My family and friends, especially you, were there for me every day and I cannot thank them enough. I love you all.

Kotb mentioned that she has discussed the concept of gratitude frequently, yet she realized she had not been practicing it as she was afraid.[5] She recollected that she had a family who loves her, an older daughter at home, a great support system and doctors “who would have done anything to make her situation better — and they did. This realization motivated her to alter her line of thought.[1]

0. “Hoda Kotb Returns to ‘Today' Show, Explains Daughter Was in ICU” Just Jared, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.justjared.com/2023/03/06/hoda-kotb-returns-to-today-show-explains-daughter-was-in-icu/

1. “Hoda Kotb returns to ‘Today,' reveals daughter was hospitalized: ‘I'm so grateful she's home'” Yahoo Entertainment, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hoda-kotb-returns-today-reveals-daughter-hospitalized-140459612.html

2. “Craig Melvin Says Hoda and Savannah Will ‘Be Back Soon' amid Absences” PEOPLE, 3 Mar. 2023, https://people.com/tv/craig-melvin-says-hoda-kotb-savannah-guthrie-will-be-back-soon-amid-absences/

3. “Hoda Kotb Returns To ‘Today’ After Absence Due To Daughter’s Health Issue; Savannah Guthrie Also Back After Covid Test” Deadline, 6 Mar. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/03/hoda-kotb-today-daugther-health-issue-1235280291/

4. “Hoda Kotb Tears Up While Discussing Scary Reason for ‘Today' Absence” Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/hoda-kotb-today-show-nbc-absence-daughter-icu-1785771

5. “Hoda Kotb Says She Struggled to Have Gratitude Amid Daughter Hope's Hospitalization: ‘I Was Scared'” Entertainment Tonight, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.etonline.com/hoda-kotb-says-she-struggled-to-have-gratitude-amid-daughter-hopes-hospitalization-i-was-scared

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