Hoda Kotb, co-host of the Today Show, left her hosting duties midway through the show to take her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, to their first day of school. Around 25 minutes into the show, Kotb mentioned her motherly responsibilities to her co-hosts.
Savannah Guthrie acknowledged her need to leave, and Kotb swiftly departed, bidding farewell to her co-hosts, Craig Melvin and Al Roker. Guthrie wished her daughters well as she left.
About three hours later, Kotb returned to the anchor desk alongside Jenna Bush Hager for the third hour of the show.
Kotb didn’t post a typical “back-to-school” picture but shared a Dr. Seuss quote on her Instagram to mark the occasion: “You’re off to great places today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
We wish Haley, Hope, and all the other kids starting school today a fantastic first day!