After years as a beloved host on NBC’s Today, Hoda Kotb made headlines when she emotionally stepped away from the show on January 10. What viewers saw on screen was touching—but the real reason behind her departure is even more heartfelt.

In an exclusive cover story with PEOPLE magazine, Kotb revealed that her final day was filled with tributes from friends and celebrities including Maria Shriver, Simone Biles, Jimmy Fallon, and her longtime colleague Kathie Lee Gifford. “From the moment I walked into 30 Rock that morning, it felt like a beautiful parade of love,” she recalled. But beneath the smiles, there was heartache. “When you say goodbye to something you love, even if it’s the right decision, it still feels like your heart is breaking.”

Now, five months later, Kotb is embracing a more grounded life focused on what truly matters—her daughters Haley (8) and Hope (6), and her own health and peace of mind. She’s poured her energy into launching a wellness brand, Joy 101, featuring an app, a subscription-based newsletter, and live events focused on mindfulness, meditation, and emotional well-being.

Leaving TV to Be Present for Her Family

A major factor in Kotb’s decision was her daughter Hope’s health. In 2023, Hope was hospitalized for two weeks after developing sudden and concerning symptoms. Kotb later confirmed that her daughter had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a lifelong condition requiring daily insulin and round-the-clock monitoring.

“She was getting four or five injections a day for a year,” Kotb shared. “Now it’s a little less frequent, but there’s still constant care. She’s such a trooper.” While Kotb emphasized that she didn’t leave Today solely because of this, she admitted that being available for her daughter was no longer negotiable.

“I needed to be there—fully there,” she said. “If she wakes up in the night, I’m there. That’s my job now, and it’s the most important one I’ve ever had.”

Rediscovering the Joy in Everyday Life

Since leaving early morning television, Kotb has reshaped her days around simple pleasures and deeper connections. She meditates and journals at 4:30 a.m., takes neighborhood walks, plays guitar, and even picked up tennis. Most importantly, she is present for every school event, bracelet-making session, and bedtime story.

“Life isn’t just the big stuff—it’s all the little moments I used to miss,” she reflected. “Now I see my daughters wave to me from the backyard while I’m working, and I realize how lucky I am.”

At night, both girls snuggle beside her in bed. “I sleep in the middle—it’s not the most comfortable position—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This is heaven to me.”