Viewers of the TODAY show have been missing their beloved co-host Hoda Kotb, with many wondering the reason behind her two-week absence.
After Savannah Guthrie tested positive for COVID last week, most were certain that Kotb was in the same boat.
However, upon her return to the morning show on Monday, Kotb revealed her 3-year-old daughter Hope was hospitalized for more than a week.
Kotb emotionally explained to viewers:
"My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week. I'm so grateful she's home."
"We are watching her closely. I am just so happy."
On the verge of tears, she continued, sharing her gratitude to all:
"You know what I realized, Savannah?"
"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 Cornell, who are amazing, and the nurses, and I'm grateful to family, and I'm grateful to friends like you, who were there every single day."
She finished:
"So I want to thank you for that."
"I love you."
You can watch the emotional segment below.
Hoda Kotb returns to TODAY after family health matteryoutu.be
Viewers and colleagues sent their love to the host—along with well wishes for Hope—and shared their excitement for Kotb's return.
Later on Today with Hoda & Jenna, Kotb opened up the situation again in greater detail, telling co-host Jenna Bush Hager and their viewers:
"I'm over the moon that she's home."
We, too, are happy to have Kotb back, and we're glad to hear Hope is home and doing better.
@GregAbbott_TX/X
