Hoda Kotb sparks concern as she’s absent from ‘Today’ show for a week
Fans are expressing concern for Hoda Kotb as she’s been absent from “Today” and “Today with Hoda and Jenna” for a week.
Kotb, 58, co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager on the Feb. 20 Presidents’ Day episode. However, the holiday episode was pre-recorded on the same day as her last live appearance on Feb. 17.
“World News Tonight” anchor Tom Llamas and “Today 3rd Hour” co-host Craig Melvin have both been subbing for Kotb over the last week, alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Meanwhile, Willie Geist from “Sunday Today” and Sheinelle Jones of “Today 3rd Hour” have filled in for Kotb’s fourth-hour gig with Bush Hager, 41.
Kotb’s “Today” channel podcast “Making Space” — which normally releases shows at 4 a.m. ET every Monday — has also not dropped a new episode.
Neither Guthrie, 51, nor Bush Hager has revealed any specific details on Kotb’s absence, with both saying she’s “out,” or introducing the new co-anchor who’s “in” for Kotb that day.
Kotb has not addressed her absence directly. However, she has posted several cryptic quotes via social media over the past week.
Her most recent post from Monday morning was a graphic that reads, “Choose Hope,” with two heart emojis in the caption.
“Sometimes miracles are just people with kind hearts,” another graphic from Feb. 26 reads, with Kotb wishing everyone a “Happy sunday xo.”
The broadcast journalist recently shared four other quotes that spoke about being “brave,” “strong,” and how the “dark clouds” will pass.
Kotb’s significant time off and cryptic quotes left hundreds of fans sharing their concern on social media.
“Hoping all is well with you and your family. Miss seeing you in the morning. ❤️,” one fan wrote.
“I just came to IG specifically to hear from you. I tunes [sic] into NBC and you’re missing! When are you coming back? 😢,” another person asked.
“Thanks for the encouraging words. Hope you’re doing great. I missed you this past week so much. It’s not the same without you. Hope to see you soon. ☀️❤️,” someone else added.
“Your vague posts are giving me major anxiety but caring vibes,” another fan wrote.
“I know we will know what’s going on with time. But gosh dang it woman – please let us know what’s going on!”
Reps for Kotb and the “Today” show did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
