The reason for Hoda Kotb’s latest absence from NBC’s Today has finally been revealed, as host Craig Melvin told viewers on Thursday, January 6th that the 57-year-old television personality had contracted a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and would therefore not be on the show until she has recovered. Melvin said: “We should mention here before we get to the news that the reason Hoda is off is like many others she tested positive for Covid. But Hoda tells us she’s doing just fine and we look forward to having her back very, very soon.”
The mother-of-two has received both of her vaccinations, as well as her booster dose, and is currently isolating in her New York home with her fiancé Joel Schiffman, and their two children. Kotb told her fans on Twitter that she was feeling “good” despite testing positive. Her January 6th tweet read: “Thx for well wishes! Feeling good..” followed by a red heart emoji. “cant wait to see you all when I am in the clear! Xo”
The broadcast journalist also updated her fans about her health status the following day, when the city of New York and the surrounding areas were covered in at least five inches of snow. "Hello snow! Good morning.. Hope you are safe and cozy...I am feeling good.. sipping tea.. marveling at all of this," Kotb captioned a beautiful Instagram picture of her deck covered in snow. Co-host Al Roker commented on the picture, writing, "You are loved and missed."
Kotb's absence was also felt on the show, as her stand-ins updated her fans on her health status, while also sending their well-wishes to her. "Like so many others, she tested positive with COVID-19," Hoda's Today with Hoda & Jenna co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, said, adding: "I texted her this morning and she's doing totally fine and she'll be back here pretty soon." Hoda's stand-in Sheinelle Jones added: "She's a rock star. I mean I was around her, I had it. She managed to dodge all of the craziness. The good thing is it seems like for a lot of folks - and even for Hoda - it's very mild."
