On Thursday morning, TODAY co-host Hoda Kotb made an emotional announcement on live television that she would be leaving the NBC show after five years.

But what exactly is next for them?

“I have news,” Kotb said, holding back tears as co-host Savannah Guthrie held her hand. “So, I did the math and I realized I spent 26 years at NBC. And I just turned 60.”

Kotb went on to say that her milestone birthday was a “monumental moment.”

“I started thinking about this decade,” Kotb said. “What would this decade mean, what would it hold for me, what would it hold for me? And I realized that at 60 years old, it was time for me to turn over a new leaf and try something new.”

Kotb said she came to this realization while celebrating her 60th birthday on the show.

‘Time for me to leave the show’: Read Hoda’s full letter announcing his departure from TODAY

“I remember standing outside and looking at this wonderful group of people with these amazing signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.’ And I thought it can’t get any better, and I decided this is the right time for me to move on.”

Kotb added that her daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, played a role in the decision.

“Obviously, I had my children late in life and I thought they deserved a bigger piece of my time pie than I had,” she said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.”

“And yet, it is the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb said, wiping a tear from his face.

Kotb went on to say that she plans to stay with TODAY through January 1, 2025 and beyond and remain part of the “NBC family,” but did not elaborate.

Guthrie, holding back her tears, replied, “We don’t want to imagine this place without you.”

“They have so much guts. They inspire me,” Guthrie said. Guthrie quietly added that she has bigger dreams for herself, too.

Jenna Hager Bush, sitting across from Guthrie, told Kotb, “It’s not over,” while holding a tissue on her lap.

“You don’t leave your family,” Kotb replied.

As the emotional moments continued, Guthrie took a moment to try to clear things up.

“I need to let people know that she is not leaving the NBC family,” Guthrie said. “They will see her, and we will see her.”

Then Guthrie looks Kotb in the eyes. “Right? You told me that, didn’t you?” said Guthrie.

“Yes,” Kotb nodded. “I promise.”

In closing, Guthrie called Kotb the “sunshine” of the show.

“We love you enough to let you pursue your dreams and start this next chapter,” Guthrie said. “We can’t wait to see what you do. We’ll just be here waiting for you.”

TODAY.com reported that Kotb also sent TODAY staff an emotional letter on Sept. 26 about her decision to resign.

The full letter can be found below:

To my HEUTE family,

My heart is pounding as I write this. I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason for it. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that so much right now. I love you guys, and it’s time for me to leave the show.

My time at NBC was the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you joined me on this 26-year adventure. Looking back, the math is crazy. 26 years at NBC News — 10 years at Dateline, 7 at 7, 16 at 10. I picture your faces and your families and all the ways you built me ​​up and inspired me. That is my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most treasured friendships. Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my life’s work. Al: my oldest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you terribly at TODAY.

I’ve been considering this decision for quite a while – am I really ready? But my 60th birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a turning point. Like a huge, joyful YES, that’s you! I saw everything so clearly: my career in broadcasting has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life is ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I’m going to miss you all terribly, but I’m ready and excited.

Since I will be working until early 2025, I still have plenty of time to talk about what lies ahead for all of us. But one thing I know for sure is that everything will be OK. The peacock never loses his composure… no matter who comes or goes. TODAY and its wonderful people – all of you – are never fooled. They always weather change with grace and courage.

I am happy and grateful to continue to be part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have ever had. I will be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will all always be part of my family.

Love,

Hoda

In a message on Instagram on Thursday, Hoda posted a photo with the sentence, “By the way, I’m wearing the smile you gave me,” along with the caption, “Happy Thursday xx and thank you.”