Hoda Kotb has been MIA from Today and Today with Hoda and Jenna, and many fans of the news show are now starting to worry. The host was last seen onscreen for the President's Day broadcast of Today With Hoda and Jenna, which she co-hosts with Jenna Bush Hager. But according to Deadline, the segment was actually pre-recorded on Feb. 17, which was also Kotb's last live appearance on set. Kotb was still absent this morning, Feb. 28, and social media is buzzing with concerns for the beloved broadcaster. Read on to find out what her co-hosts said about Kotb's absence, and why fans are addressing her directly.
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Other NBC hosts have filled in for the past week.
NBCKotb is the co-anchor of Today and the co-host of Today's fourth hour. But for the past week, Page Six reports that Craig Melvin, co-host of Today 3rd Hour, and Tom Llamas, anchor of World News Tonight, stepped in for Kotb on the main show with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. For the fourth hour, Willie Geist, host of Sunday Today, and Sheinelle Jones, co-anchor of Today 3rd Hour, filled in.
However, Guthrie and Bush Hager have been tight-lipped about Kotb's absence, simply saying that their colleague is "out," per Page Six, or introducing whoever was "in" for Kotb during the broadcast. News outlets also report that Kotb's podcast, Making Space, which is produced through the Today channel, hasn't released a new episode this week.
Best Life reached out to NBC for comment on Kotb's absence and when she might return, but has yet to hear back.
Kotb has been active on social media.
While viewers might not be seeing Kotb's face on their television screens every morning, they are keeping up with her on social media. Over the past week, the broadcaster posted a series of inspirational posts, with the first going up on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Kotb posted an image on both Instagram and Twitter with overlaid text that reads, "One day you will see just how brave you have been." Subsequent posts have messages about dark clouds making way for clear skies, and the need to celebrate "strong women."
"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them," the Feb. 24 post reads. The following posts include messages about "miracles" and choosing hope.
Fans have been responding to Kotb's cryptic Instagrams, with many noting how much they miss her on Today—and seeking answers as to when she's coming back.
Viewers are now concerned.
NBCUniversal News GroupOn Twitter, one fan speculated that Kotb is taking a break due to some kind of illness. "Miss you. Hope all is well. I noticed on your last day you left during the show. Made me think maybe you were sick," one Twitter user wrote. "Respecting your privacy, but hoping you are well."
On her Instagram post yesterday, some fans were understanding. "Many of us need time to process life's challenges before we can share," the comment reads. "As a public figure Hoda will share with us when the time is right for her. Patience is a virtue required by many possessed by few. Hoda take all the time you need."
Others, however, wanted answers. One wrote, "Ok. Seriously...what is going on with you? I know you have a right to privacy, but your fans have noticed your absence and these posts...worried about you."
Aside from the posts themselves, Kotb hasn't responded to any comments.
Guthrie also had to make a quick exit this morning.
lev radin / ShutterstockWhile Today fans are still without Kotb, they're now down another broadcaster, too. According to Today, Guthrie was forced to leave set this morning—and this time, we know the reason. The outlet reported that she wasn't feeling well, prompting her to take a COVID-19 test. When it came back positive, Guthrie left the set.
"By the way, it has been an interesting morning for us," Jones said in an update for viewers later in the morning. "As we said, Savannah left early, she wasn't feeling great, so she took a COVID test. It came back positive. So, as soon as we found out, she rushed home to rest up. So, Savannah, we love you, wishing you a speedy recovery."
