“Today” show co-anchor Hoda Kotb returned to her post on Monday, explaining her long absence due to her daughter’s hospitalization.
“My littlest hope was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for over a week,” Kotb said Monday after a week-long absence. “I’m so grateful she’s home. She’s back home. I’ve been waiting for that day to come. And we’re watching her closely. I’m so happy.”
Kotb, who became co-anchor of NBC’s flagship morning program in late 2017, emotionally thanked everyone for their support during her family’s ordeal, as well as those who care for her 3-year-old daughter. Also thanked the medical professionals.
“I’m grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell, who were amazing, and the nurses. And I’m grateful for my family, and I’m grateful for friends like you who were there every day,” the 58-year-old anchor said exclusively to Guthrie. Mentioning the support said. “So, I want to say thank you for that. I love you.”
Guthrie was also recently absent from his morning show duties, as he had to leave the anchor desk in the middle of the February 28 broadcast after testing positive for COVID-19.
Longtime “Today” weatherman Al Roker returned to the morning show earlier this year after he was hospitalized late last year due to complications from multiple blood clots.