Hoda Kotb FINALLY reveals if she will take over The Kelly Clarkson Show after Today departure

Rumors swirl that I, Hoda Kotb, could be in the running to take over from Kelly Clarkson on her popular talk show, following whispers about Clarkson’s possible departure.

But now Hoda has set the record straight on the speculation.  

On the Today show, Hoda made it clear that she won’t replace The Kelly Clarkson Show.

On Wednesday, Hoda, who is now 60 and had left the Today show earlier this year following almost two decades there, was back on the talk show. During her appearance, Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie inquired about the rumors regarding her return.

However, Hoda expressed loyalty towards the Today show, stating unequivocally that she would exclusively appear on this program should she return to television.

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She expressed that, should she return to television, there’s only one place she would return – right here, as this is her preferred location!

‘So rumors are done?’ Craig asked.

‘Delete, delete,’ Hoda said. ‘Not true.’

Savannah remarked, drawing upon Kelly Clarkson’s popular talk show segment called Kellyoke, “I assumed you were participating in it since I’ve noticed you’ve been playing your guitar and singing a lot recently, leading me to believe that perhaps you felt like giving it a try.

While Hoda isn’t taking over the show, she will be appearing as a guest next week.

‘I am going to be on Kelly’s show next week though. Just for fun,’ Hoda clarified.

The confirmation arrives as there’s chatter that Kelly might be contemplating leaving her talk show, with Hoda being among the potential candidates being looked at for the replacement role.

A source close to the matter revealed to Page Six in May that Hoda was included on a comprehensive roster of individuals.

‘Hoda ticks a lot of boxes. She’s an Egyptian, older Kelly Clarkson,’ the insider added.

After leaving the Today show earlier this year, Koda has remained active and is now embarking on a new venture – the establishment of the wellness company called Joy 101.

Starting from 1998, the long-serving news anchor initially worked for Dateline NBC and eventually became a co-anchor. She declared her intention to leave in September 2024, and she officially parted ways with the network in January.

Last year, after being with NBC News for 26 years, Hoda became emotional as she shared her departure news with her colleagues. She mentioned turning 60 served as a significant milestone, prompting her to pursue a fresh experience.

In a letter, the television figure shared with her coworkers the difficult choice she had made, mentioning that celebrating her 60th birthday initiated a significant change in her life, like an earthquake.

In this moment, as I put pen to paper, my emotions are scattered, Hoda expressed. Though I know I’m doing what is best, the process is painful. Each of you has played a significant role in this decision, making it even harder. It seems that two things can be correct simultaneously, and I truly feel that right now – I cherish you all while acknowledging it’s time for me to step away from the show.

My experience with NBC has been the longest and most significant professional relationship I’ve ever had. This is not just because of the length of time (26 years), but also because you have been a constant companion throughout this journey. Reflecting on this, it’s almost incomprehensible – 26 years at NBC News, with a decade dedicated to Dateline, seven years spent on the 7 o’clock news hour, and sixteen years on the 10 o’clock news hour.

She went on to say, “I can see each of your smiles and the love of your families, reminding me of all the times you uplifted and motivated me. That’s the sound of my heart resonating. Many of my professional connections have grown into invaluable friendships.

She subsequently delivered an emotional eulogy for her cherished companion, Jenna Bush Hager, and admitted that she would sorely miss everyone she collaborated with on the well-known morning program, expressing her deep regret at their separation.

She went on to say, “Savannah is like a rock for me, Jenna is my unwavering ally, Al has been my friend the longest at 30 Rock, and Craig, Carson, Sheinelle, and Dylan are my family. Libby, Mazz, and Talia serve as my fearless leaders. I will deeply miss each of you from TODAY.

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2025-05-28 18:20

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