Hoda Kotb reveals her departure from NBC's 'TODAY' show.

• On Thursday, Hoda Kotb announced that she will be departing from NBC's TODAY show early next year, in a letter to staff.
• In 1998, Kotb began working at NBC News as a correspondent for "Dateline." Later, in 2007, he became the host of the fourth hour of TODAY.
• Despite not specifying her role, the veteran journalist stated that she will not be leaving NBC.

Hoda Kotb announced in a letter to staff on Thursday that she will be leaving her role as a co-anchor on NBC's "TODAY" show early next year.

"She wrote, "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. And you all are the reason why. 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.""

Since 1998, Kotb has been a correspondent for NBC News, frequently appearing on "Dateline." In 2007, she became the first host of the fourth hour of "TODAY," later joined by Kathie Lee Gifford and Jenna Bush Hager. In 2018, she co-anchored the show's 7:00 a.m. ET hour with Savannah Guthrie, making them the first all-women pair to anchor the news program.

The veteran journalist expressed gratitude to the "TODAY" team and noted that her 60th birthday celebration on the show in August marked the beginning of her next phase.

NBCUniversal will retain Kotb as one of its employees, although she has not disclosed her specific role.

"I am thrilled and grateful to continue being a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I've cherished," she wrote. "I'll always be here. How could I not? Family is family and you all will forever be a part of mine."

NBCUniversal owns CNBC and NBC, and broadcasts TODAY.