Viewers of the Today show were left confused as Hoda Kotb returned to the morning program just weeks after quitting as a host.
The broadcaster departed the show in January, but on Monday she returned via a video message to announce her first big project since leaving NBC. The 60-year-old journalist revealed she is working on a new book, Jump and Find Joy, which will be released on September 23.
"Everybody in their life, at one point, stands on the edge of something and says, 'Should I jump? Should I try? Should I go for it?' Hoda explained. "And I felt that way about the Today show, and I was terrified to even think about jumping."
She revealed she finally made her decision of writing a book after talking to her friend, journalist and former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver. "She was like, 'You've jumped your whole life. You were in small markets in television [and] you jumped from city to city. You jumped into relationships and out of them. You jumped into motherhood. You have a history of jumping, so don't tell me that you can't jump,'" Hoda continued.
Hoda said the book includes "different people" she loves who have done something they were once "too afraid" to do. She shared, "Viola Davis, this woman went from on her knees to this incredible spot, and it was an image that caused her to jump. Sarah Jakes, who's also in the book, T.D. Jakes' daughter, she's a pastor, and she said, 'When you jump, you have to imagine yourself on the other side.'
"Here's my thing. You get one life. That's all. That's it. It's ready for the taking. It only takes a jump." In addition to the book, Hoda is also working on a wellness app - and while the release date hasn't been confirmed yet, earlier this year she said she was hoping it could launch in spring.
The clip of Hoda's announcement was broadcast on Monday and also shared on the official Instagram account of the Today show, where some viewers expressed their confusion at seeing the broadcaster back on TV. One commented, "Just when you think she's out……"
Many praised Hoda and said they miss seeing her on TV regularly. A fan wrote, "Miss seeing you daily. Hope you life is everything you wanted it to be." Another added, "Love this! Gotta get your book!!" Someone else wrote, "You look SO rested! I always felt bad for you bc you always looked so tired." One more added, "You get one life, that's it - hit me in the heart! Thank you, Hoda! Buying this."
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