What Happened to Hoda Kotb? Here's Why the 'Today' Anchor Was Missing

Whenever a regular daytime newscaster isn’t on the air for a couple of days, fans and the tabloids start to speculate where the missing host may be. This time it’s Today host Hoda Kotb who has been missing from the desk of the NBC morning show. Where is Kotb?

Kotb, one of Today's main anchors since 2017, was out mid-February 2023 and then again during the last week of March. The last time the host disappeared, it was because she had taken time off to celebrate her birthday with friends and family.

So, what's the deal with Kotb now? Why has Kotb been missing so much time from Today in 2023?

After missing several tapings of The Today Show in February 2023, fans demanded answers in regard to where Kotb was. Sadly, her Instagram page didn't provide much insight on her whereabouts. Then, after a few airings, Craig Melvin, who had been filling in for the host, told viewers that she had been out due to a family-related health matter.

Hoda's absence occurred around the same time Savannah Guthrie tested positive for COVID-19. She was also missing from the show.

Finally, after spending nearly two weeks away from Today, Kotb returned to the show and cleared the air. The host explained to fans that her 3-year-old adopted daughter Hope Catherine had suffered health complications and was taken to the intensive care unit at Weill Cornell. Kotb didn't provide details on her daughter's diagnosis.

Kotb went on to express the gratitude she felt for all those who were there for her and her daughter through this difficult time. "You know what I realized too, Savannah? It's like, when your child is ill, the amount of gratitude you can have for people who helped you out. So I'm grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who were amazing and the nurses."

Then, at the end of March, Kotb went missing again, leaving fans to further speculate why she has been taking so much time off.

Fortunately, The Sun reported that Kotb's second absence of the year has nothing to do with the supposed rift between Kotb and Guthrie but instead, can be attributed to her spending Spring Break with her daughters.

Fans became concerned about Kotb’s absence from the morning show after tabloids reported a possible rift between Kotb and Guthrie. Kotb took over the morning show desk opposite Guthrie in 2017 after former Today host Matt Lauer left over allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.

In June 2022, The Sun reported that Kotb and Guthrie “can’t stand each other,” according to a source close to production on Today. The two may be chummy on-air, but once the cameras are off, so are the niceties.

Guthrie would rather see her bestie, Jenna Bush Hager, sitting at the morning desk with her, reports The Sun. When Lauer left Today, Guthrie hoped the anchor seat would be given to Willy Geist, The Sun reports.

"Savannah is the boss. After Matt Lauer was ousted, Savannah grabbed power, and she really wanted Willie Geist in Hoda's role, but his ratings were just not up to par for the network," an insider told The Sun. The insider also said that Guthrie "thinks of herself as a real news person," while Kotb is seen as "the lightweight that drank wine with Kathie Lee Gifford" for years, The Sun reports.

Fans have reportedly been noticing tensions between the two Today show co-hosts. During a July 21, 2022, cooking segment with cookbook author Elizabeth Heiskell, Guthrie appeared to snap at Kotb, reports OK! magazine.

In the interest of public opinion, fans appear to favor Kotb over Guthrie.

“NBC needs to get the Today. Show on track. The audience is disgusted by Savannah Guthrie. She is arrogant, cruel, and totally wrong in her attitude to the TV audience. I want to watch Hoda but I can’t stand Savannah,” tweeted Beth O'Donnell.

“Savannah and Jenna should be removed from the show. I will not watch it with them on it. Hoda is the kindest person ever on that show. Savannah has always been trouble and she thinks only her interviews are good. (NOT) Jenna stay home and be a big loud mouth mom,” tweeted Cindy Zweifel.

Despite what fans might think, it appears both are steadfast in keeping their positions, even it means working alongside someone you don't particularly favor.