Career Timeline of Hoda Kotb: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Hoda Kotb, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Hoda Kotb is a prominent American broadcast journalist, television personality, and accomplished author. She held the position of main co-anchor of NBC's Today show from 2018 to 2025, contributing significantly to its morning news coverage. Concurrently, from 2007 to 2025, she co-hosted the show's fourth hour, which focuses on entertainment. Before her roles on Today, Kotb was a correspondent for Dateline NBC, showcasing her versatility in news broadcasting.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Reporter at WQAD

In 1988, Hoda Kotb moved to ABC affiliate WQAD in Moline, Illinois as a reporter.

1989: Weekend Anchor and Reporter at WINK

In 1989, Hoda Kotb became a weekend anchor and reporter at CBS affiliate WINK in Fort Myers, Florida.

1991: End of role at WINK

In 1991, Hoda Kotb concluded her role as a weekend anchor and reporter at CBS affiliate WINK in Fort Myers, Florida.

1992: Anchor and Reporter for WWL

In 1992, Hoda Kotb became an anchor and reporter for CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans, Louisiana.

April 1998: Joined NBC News

In April 1998, Hoda Kotb officially joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and all NBC News platforms.

1998: End of role at WWL

In 1998, Hoda Kotb concluded her role as anchor and reporter for CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans, Louisiana.

March 2007: Underwent Mastectomy and Reconstructive Surgery

In March 2007, Hoda Kotb underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer and has since become an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

September 2007: First Host of Today's Fourth Hour

In September 2007, Hoda Kotb became the first host of Today's first fourth-hour weekday morning broadcast at 10:00 a.m.

2007: Co-host of Today's Fourth Hour

In 2007, Hoda Kotb became the co-host of the entertainment-focused fourth hour of the "Today" show.

April 2008: Kathie Lee Gifford Joins Today's Fourth Hour

In April 2008, Kathie Lee Gifford joined Hoda Kotb as a co-host of Today's fourth hour.

2008: Keynote Speaker at Virginia Tech Graduation

In 2008, Hoda Kotb was the keynote speaker at Virginia Tech's graduation, where she played Metallica's "Enter Sandman".

October 2010: Released Autobiography

In October 2010, Hoda Kotb released her New York Times bestselling autobiography, "Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee".

2010: Elected to Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors

In 2010, Hoda Kotb was elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors.

January 15, 2013: Released "Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives"

On January 15, 2013, Hoda Kotb released her second book, "Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives", chronicling six stories of individuals revisited a decade after a life-changing event.

February 23, 2015: Hosted Live Show on Sirius XM's Today Channel

On February 23, 2015, Hoda Kotb began hosting a live, one-hour show twice a week on Sirius XM's Today channel, discussing casual water cooler topics.

2016: Released "Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made"

In 2016, Hoda Kotb released her third book, "Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made", featuring stories of inspiring people who found themselves in unexpected moments.

November 29, 2017: Interim Co-Anchor of "Today"

On November 29, 2017, Hoda Kotb became the interim co-anchor of "Today" with Savannah Guthrie, following Matt Lauer's termination.

January 2, 2018: Named Co-Anchor of "Today"

On January 2, 2018, Hoda Kotb was named co-anchor of "Today" with Savannah Guthrie after Matt Lauer's termination.

2018: Main Co-Anchor of the "Today" Show

In 2018, Hoda Kotb became the main co-anchor of the NBC News morning show "Today".

2018: Released "I've Loved You Since Forever"

In 2018, Hoda Kotb released her children's book, "I've Loved You Since Forever", which was later adapted into a lullaby.

March 2019: Released "You Are My Happy"

In March 2019, Hoda Kotb released her children's book, "You Are My Happy", celebrating gratitude.

April 2019: Jenna Bush Hager Replaces Kathie Lee Gifford

In April 2019, Jenna Bush Hager succeeded Kathie Lee Gifford as co-host of Today's fourth hour, following Gifford's departure.

October 2019: Released "I Really Needed This Today"

In October 2019, Hoda Kotb released her sixth book, "I Really Needed This Today", which includes personal notes, quotes, and sayings.

October 2020: Released "This Just Speaks to Me"

In October 2020, Hoda Kotb released "This Just Speaks to Me", a follow-up to "I Really Needed This Today" with additional reflections and anecdotes.

September 26, 2024: Kotb Announces Stepping Down From Role On Today

On September 26, 2024, Kotb announced that she was stepping down from having a role on Today in early 2025, and indicated she would continue with NBC in an unspecified role.

January 10, 2025: Last day on "Today"

On January 10, 2025, Hoda Kotb had her last day as co-anchor of the "Today" show.

2025: End of run as "Today" show co-anchor and co-host

In 2025, Hoda Kotb ended her run as main co-anchor of the "Today" show, a role she held since 2018, and as co-host of the entertainment-focused fourth hour, a role she held since 2007.