TV
March 6, 2023 | 7:12
Hoda Kotb returned to the “Today” show on Monday and revealed the mysterious “family health issue” that led to her prolonged absence.
“My youngest (daughter), Hope, was in intensive care for a few days and in the hospital for over a week,” the news anchor explained to co-host Savannah Guthrie at the top of the show. .
“I’m so grateful she’s home,” the 58-year-old continued. “We are watching her closely. I am so happy.
Kotb went on to express his gratitude to those who “helped” during the 3-year-old’s health crisis, including Guthrie.
“I am grateful to the doctors and nurses,” she cried. “I am grateful to my family and friends like you who were there every day.”
Craig Melvin first told worried viewers on March 1 that Kotb was dealing with a “family health issue” after being off the airwaves for nearly two weeks without an explanation.
“We know a lot of you are wondering how she’s doing,” the 43-year-old “3rd Hour” co-host said at the time. “We can tell you that Hoda is fine, (but) she has a family health issue that she is taking care of.”
Melvin added that the show’s crew are “looking forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah (Guthrie) back here in the office very, very soon,” referring to Guthrie, 51, being sidelined due to her third diagnosis. of COVID-19.
“We love you both,” Al Roker added as he, Melvin and Sheinelle Jones all blew air kisses at the camera.
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Kotb’s “Today with Hoda & Jenna” co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager echoed Melvin’s statement later that morning.
“Willie (Geist) is in for Hoda, and we just want to let you know that we heard from you, and Hoda is fine,” Bush Hager, 41, said during the show’s fourth hour.
“She just has a family health issue that she’s taking care of,” she reiterated.
Bush Hager and Geist, 47, added that they “love” and “love” Kotb as they eagerly await his return.
The veteran broadcast reporter last appeared on a live broadcast on February 17. His podcast, “Making Space,” also paused the release of new episodes each Monday.
Kotb also took a break from posting his usual family photos and Instagram stories, instead only sharing inspirational quotes.
The quotes spoke of choosing “hope” and staying “strong” and “brave” amid “dark clouds.”
Kotb shares daughters Hope and Haley, 5, with ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman.
The former couple broke off their engagement in December 2021, but they continue to co-parent their daughters. The mum-of-two gushed to People for creating a “healthy mix” with the “super dad” last August.
“He will have a Saturday, and I will do on Sunday. We change every week,” she explained at the time. “He’ll take the girls out and do fun things, and I’ll take some quiet time.”
“They love it,” she added of Haley and Hope.
During Kotb’s “Today” and “Today with Hoda & Jenna” absences, several members of different news crews filled in for her.
“3rd Hour” co-hosts Melvin and Jones, 44, both helped out alongside longtime “Today” meteorologist Roker, 68.
“World News Tonight” anchor Tom Llamas and Carson Daly have also taken on more active roles in recent weeks.
Jones and Geist were the only two people to co-host alongside Bush Hager for the fourth-hour show.
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