Hoda Kotb has been mysteriously absent from the Today show because of a “family health matter,” Once viewers voiced their concerns over the previously unexplained lineup adjustment, co-host Craig Melvin remarked on Wednesday.
Kotb hasn’t made a live appearance on the show since February 17, and Savannah Guthrie won’t be watching the broadcast on Wednesday since she has COVID.
“As for Hoda, we know some of you are wondering how she’s doing,” Melvin said on the show early Wednesday. “We can tell you Hoda’s OK. She’s got a family health matter she’s been dealing with.” Melvin withheld additional information regarding the health problem afflicting a member of Kotb’s family.
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“We look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very soon,” Melvin said, with co-host Al Roker adding: “That’s right—we love you both.”
Kotb, 58, last appeared on the programme in a pre-recorded piece that aired on February 20, according to Deadline. During her absence, many other Today anchors hosted the main Today show and Today With Hoda and Jenna, including Willie Geist, Sheinelle Jones, and Tom Llamas.
Although the host continued to publish confusing messages on her social media accounts, fans have conjectured about potential explanations for Kotb’s abrupt withdrawal from screens.
On Tuesday, Kotb uploaded a picture on her Instagram of the words “choose hope” captioned with heart emojis. Over the weekend, another post read: “Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts,” and a separate image said: “She’s magic, that one.”
“Who pops into your mind?” Kotb wrote in a caption of the post. “I know who is in mine.” Creating Space with Hoda Kotb hasn’t had a new episode since February 20, besides her absences from Today.
Both @SavannahGuthrie and @HodaKotb are off today, with Savannah recovering from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. As for Hoda, she is okay and handling a family health matter. We’re sending our love to them both and can’t wait to see them in the studio soon 🧡 pic.twitter.com/EcfVV1zsac
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 1, 2023
After Melvin’s update Wednesday, fans have been sharing messages of support online. “So glad she’s okay and hope her family member gets well soon,” one Twitter user wrote.
“Sending hugs and healing prayers to both Hoda and Savannah,” another added. A third called Kotb and Guthrie “two inspiring leaders” and “awesome people.” Since 2018, Kotb and Guthrie have had co-anchoring duties on Today. Kotb has worked for NBC News for 25 years.
