Hoda Kotb is set for a special return to the Today show, less than a month after her last appearance. Her former co-host, Craig Melvin, announced during Monday’s broadcast that Kotb would be back to discuss her new book, Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life.
“Hoda, she will be here to talk about a really special project,” Melvin said, clarifying that the visit was temporary. Savannah Guthrie added, “It will be good to catch up with Hoda.”
Kotb’s new book explores the theme of taking courageous leaps in life. She previously revealed that the concept was inspired by her own fears and a pivotal conversation with her friend, Maria Shriver. “She was like, ‘You’ve jumped your whole life… You have a history of jumping, so don’t tell me that you can’t jump,'” Kotb recalled. The book will feature interviews with inspirational figures who have embraced change, including Viola Davis and Sarah Jakes. “You get one life,” Kotb stated. “It’s ready for the taking. But it takes a jump.”
Since her departure from the show in January, Kotb has remained a familiar face to viewers. She first returned to Studio 1A on May 28 to launch her wellness brand, Joy 101, and appeared again on September 9 as a special correspondent to feature an inspiring New York City gym teacher.
During that recent visit, Kotb shared an update on her life, noting she now wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and is enjoying time with her children, who are in first and third grade. “My little business is doing its thing. I’ve got a new book. It’s just a different life, but it’s funny how easily you can find yourself starting something new,” she said.
The September appearance also included a heartfelt on-air reunion with Sheinelle Jones, whom Kotb praised for her strength following the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh. “She’s changing lives just by being exactly who she is,” Kotb said, telling Jones that a recent interview she did with Guthrie had profoundly impacted several of her friends.
In a related hosting update, Sheinelle Jones is co-hosting the fourth hour of Today for the week alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
