Hoda Kotb keeps it real when pressed about future amid Kelly Clarkson rumors

Miami Herald

28-05-2025

Hoda Kotb is ready to put an end to the rumors.
The 60-year-old 'Today' show legend returned to her roots on May 28 to talk with former co-hosts Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie about what she's been up to since leaving the show earlier this year.
At one point during her visit, Melvin asked her to address rumors of what's next.
'People are seeing these articles, texting these things: Hoda's getting back in the business, Hoda's taking over for Kelly Clarkson, Hoda's doing daytime talk,' Melvin says to Kotb. 'What say you?'
Kotb's reply shows just how much the 'Today' show means to her.
'I want to ask y'all a real question,' she replied. 'If I ever came back to TV, do you know where the only place I would ever come back to is? Right here. This is the spot. There's no place like home.'
When asked if the rumors were 'done,' Kotb said, 'Delete, delete — not true.'
Her comment comes amid speculation that Clarkson, who has hosted NBC's 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' since 2019, may be considering moving on from the show when her contract ends in 2026.
The show recently celebrated its 1,000th episode on March 20.
In light of the speculation, many people have been calling for NBC to announce Kotb as Clarkson's future replacement — including a producer for the show, who spoke with The Daily Mail a few days ago.
'Everyone loves Kelly,' the producer said, per the outlet. 'She's a wonderful person. But maybe Hoda would be a better boss. I know she's universally beloved and respected by her former coworkers.'
The producer added that having Kotb onboard 'would be a lot more stable' than what they have now.
'If Kelly is unhappy, then she should move on. We would all understand,' the staffer added, per the Daily Mail. 'If Hoda wants to do it, it could be win-win for everyone.'
Clarkson's future with NBC came under scrutiny in March when she was absent for a stretch of shows that saw Simu Liu, Wanda Sykes, Brooke Shields, Roy Wood Jr. and Willie Geist join as guest hosts.
Clarkson has since returned to her role and is set to welcome Kotb as a guest on her show next week, per Page Six.
Kotb, of course, stunned fans of the 'Today' show in September when she announced her decision to step away from her role at NBC in an effort to spend more time with her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope.
The iconic host joined NBC in 1998 and quickly became a fan-favorite and beloved member of the team.
Her final show aired on January 10 — and her visit on May 28 marked her first return since.
She's now celebrating the launch of her new wellness venture, Joy 101, which she describes as a community designed to help people live more joyful, grounded, purposeful lives.
The Joy 101 platform was officially launched on May 28.
'It's a retreat in your pocket,' she told Today of the new brand, which will include an app, website, live events, courses and a single-day tentpole event called Joy Fest planned for Spring 2026.
She's also embracing a new mindset as she embarks on life at 60.
'My 60s have turned me into a beginner again, and I like that — a lot,' she added.
'It's like I'm doing things for the first time, and I love that. I want this decade to be about that — like, being a beginner, and not being embarrassed about being a beginner,' she continued.
Kotb will be releasing her newest book, 'Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life,' in September.