AceShowbiz - In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the television industry, Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC's "Today," announced she would be stepping down from her role early in 2025. This revelation has led to widespread speculation about the motivations behind her decision.

Kotb, who has been with NBC for nearly three decades and spent the last 16 years as a prominent face of "Today," publicly cited personal reasons for her departure. During a live broadcast, she stated, "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new."

Reflecting on her milestone 60th birthday, she added, "It was such a monumental moment for me. I started thinking about that decade, like, what does that decade mean? What does it hold?"

While Kotb emphasized her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 4, behind the scenes, a different story may be unfolding. According to reports by Puck News and OK! Magazine, Kotb was asked to take a pay cut from her $20 million annual salary.

The network cited the evolving broadcast landscape and declining viewership numbers - "Today" averaged 2.8 million viewers compared to 5 million a decade ago - as reasons for the proposed salary adjustment.

An NBC source stated, "This is the age of the great resetting of TV news contracts. Everyone is getting their pay cut or their jobs eliminated." Despite these financial pressures, a source close to Kotb insisted, "Salary played no role in Hoda's decision."

During her emotional announcement, Kotb read a heartfelt memo on-air, "As I write this, my heart is all over the map. I know I'm making the right decision, but it's a painful one. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I'm feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it's time for me to leave the show."

Kotb's colleagues at "Today" expressed their support and sorrow. Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has shared the anchor desk with Kotb for the past five years, tearfully remarked, "We love you so much, and when you look around and you see these tears, they're love. You are so loved, and honestly, we don't want to imagine this place without you."

While Kotb's departure marks the end of an era for "Today," it also underscores broader changes in the television industry. As viewership habits shift and financial pressures mount, even beloved personalities like Hoda Kotb are not immune to the industry's challenges.

Ultimately, Kotb's decision to leave "Today" reflects both personal and professional considerations. As she steps into a new chapter of her life, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and indelible moments that have shaped morning television for nearly two decades.