‘Hoda Kotb Is Back’: Former ‘TODAY’ Co-Host Returning To Morning Show Nine Months After Quitting To Focus on Raising Daughters

**Hoda Kotb to Make Guest Appearance on the TODAY Show Nine Months After Departure**

*Published September 22, 2025, 2:15 p.m. ET*

Former *TODAY* show co-host Hoda Kotb is set to return to the morning news show for a special guest appearance, RadarOnline.com can reveal. This comes nine months after Kotb left her post to spend more time with her two young daughters.

During the *TODAY* show on Monday, September 22, co-host Craig Melvin surprised viewers by announcing the exciting news of Kotb’s return. As he signed off, Melvin teased:

*”You’ll want to come back tomorrow. Something to look forward to. Hoda is back.”*

However, Melvin was quick to clarify that Kotb’s return would be temporary.

**Kotb’s Temporary Return to TODAY**

“No, no, not for good. You’re still stuck with me,” Melvin joked. “But Hoda will be here to talk about a really special project—her new book, *Jump and Find Joy*.”

He added, “It’s all about embracing change in every season of life. She’s gonna be here to talk about it tomorrow.”

Kotb’s former co-host Savannah Guthrie also expressed excitement about reconnecting with her, saying, “It will be good to catch up with Hoda.”

**About Hoda Kotb’s New Book: *Jump and Find Joy***

According to the synopsis, *Jump and Find Joy* offers an intimate look into how Kotb’s life transformed once she started embracing change rather than resisting it.

The book’s synopsis explains:

*”In her quest to better understand change and how to work with (not against) it, Hoda relies on her reporting instincts to investigate how change works, who is approaching it with grace, and what she can apply to her own life and share with others.”*

*Jump and Find Joy* combines wisdom from experts on change, the latest research on resilience, and heartfelt stories from celebrities and inspiring individuals within our communities.

From small shifts in daily routines to major leaps of faith, Kotb shows readers why change shouldn’t be feared but celebrated—and how everyone can thrive amidst the inevitable changes life brings.

**Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave the TODAY Show?**

RadarOnline.com previously reported that Kotb shocked fans when she announced her departure from the *TODAY* show in January after 17 years. Her reason: wanting to devote more time to her daughters, Hope and Haley.

In a recent interview with Kristen Welker, Kotb shared a touching moment with her daughters that affirmed her decision:

*”For 26 years, I did similar things every single day. And one day, Kristen, in January, I woke up and my alarm didn’t go off at 3:30 A.M. I went downstairs to my office, and Haley ran down and she looked at me and said at 5 A.M., ‘You really are here.’ And I think in that tiny moment I was like this decision was right on so many levels.”*

**Rumors Swirl About Kotb’s Future Plans**

Before Melvin’s announcement of Kotb’s upcoming special appearance, rumors circulated that the former *TODAY* alum might be considered as Kelly Clarkson’s replacement on the singer’s daytime talk show. This speculation followed the news of Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock’s, death.

For now, fans can look forward to Hoda Kotb’s heartfelt and inspiring guest spot on the *TODAY* show tomorrow, where she will discuss her new book and journey embracing life’s inevitable changes.
https://radaronline.com/p/hoda-kotb-returns-today-show-after-quitting-daughters/