NBC “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb has been absent for several days due to what the network is calling a “family health matter.” Craig Melvin, who was co-helming Wednesday’s broadcast of NBC’s flagship morning news program alongside veteran weatherman Al Roker and fill-in co-host Sheinelle Jones, told viewers that “Hoda’s okay.” The Associated Press has the story:
NBC: Hoda Kotb off ‘Today’ due to family issues
Newslooks- NEW YORK (AP)
NBC‘s “Today” show is without both of its hosts and addressed Hoda Kotb’s absence on the program Wednesday.
Kotb is dealing with an unspecified “family health matter,” the show’s Craig Melvin said. She’d been absent from the network morning show last week and this week without any explanation.
Meanwhile, co-host Savannah Guthrie tested positive for COVID when she wasn’t feeling well Tuesday, leaving mid-show. News anchor Melvin, Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker were on the set Wednesday.
“We look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very, very soon,” Melvin said.
There’s no specific estimate on when either might return, a “Today” spokeswoman said.
Kotb hasn’t appeared on NBC’s morning shows for more than a week — which prompted the network to finally address the matter after fans expressed concern.
The 58-year-old Kotb was last seen live on the air at the Comcast-owned network on Feb. 17, when she sat alongside Jenna Bush Hager for their “Today with Hoda and Jenna” show.
Prior to Melvin’s announcement on Wednesday, NBC was mum about the circumstances surrounding Kotb’s hiatus.
The Post has reached out to NBC for comment on Kotb’s absence.
Earlier this week, Kotb made a series of cryptic posts on Instagram that left some of her 2.2 million followers worried.
“Choose hope,” Kotb said in a post from Monday.
In a separate post on Sunday, Kotb wrote: “Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.”
Kotb has also shared a series of inspirational quotes on her Instagram account, including a post that referenced “dark clouds.”
