Hoda Kotb sparks concern as she’s absent from ‘Today’ show for a week

Fans are expressing concern for Hoda Kotb as she’s been absent from “Today” and “Today with Hoda and Jenna” for a week.

Kotb, 58, co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager on the Feb. 20 President’s Day episode. However, the holiday episode was pre-recorded on the same day as her last live appearance on Feb. 17.

A screenshot of Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb talking on the "Today" show
Kotb’s last live show was on Feb. 17.
todayshow/Twitter

“World News Tonight” anchor Tom Llamas and “Today 3rd Hour” co-host Craig Melvin have both been subbing in for Kotb over the last week, alongside Savannah Guthrie.

Meanwhile, Willie Geist from “Sunday Today” and Sheinelle Jones of “Today 3rd Hour” have filled in for Kotb’s fourth hour gig with Bush Hager, 41.

A screenshot of Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin talking on the "Today" show
Craig Melvin stepped in for Kotb on Monday’s episode of the “Today” show.
todayshow/Twitter

Kotb’s “Today” channel podcast “Making Space” – which normally releases shows at 4 a.m. ET every Monday – has also not dropped a new episode.

Neither Guthrie, 51, nor Bush Hager have revealed any specific details for Kotb’s absence, with both saying she’s “out,” or introducing the new co-anchor who’s “in” for Kotb that day.

A screenshot of Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager talking on "Today with Hoda and Jenna"
Sheinelle Jones most recently co-hosted with Bush Hager on Monday’s episode of “Today with Hoda and Jenna.”
hodaandjenna/Twitter

Kotb has not addressed her absence directly. However, she has posted several cryptic quotes via social media over the past week.

Her most recent post from Monday morning was a graphic that reads, “Choose Hope,” with two heart emojis in the caption.

A screenshot of Hoda Kotb's Instagram post of a graphic that reads, "Choose Hope"
Kotb encouraged her 2.2 million Instagram followers to “choose hope” on Monday.
hodakotb/Instagram

“Sometimes miracles are just people with kind hearts,” another graphic from Feb. 26 reads, with Kotb wishing everyone a “Happy sunday xo.”

The broadcast journalist recently shared four other quotes that spoke about being “brave,” “strong,” and how the “dark clouds” will pass.

A screenshot of Hoda Kotb's Instagram post of a quote
The broadcaster also posted about “miracles” over the weekend.
hodakotb/Instagram

Kotb’s significant time off and cryptic quotes left hundreds of fans sharing their concern on social media.

“Hoping all is well with you and your family. Miss seeing you in the morning. ❤️,” one fan wrote.

A screenshot of Hoda Kotb's Instagram post of a quote
The mom of two daughters shared another quote of raising “strong women.”
hodakotb/Instagram
A screenshot of Hoda Kotb's Instagram post of a quote
Kotb referenced “dark clouds” in another post.
hodakotb/Instagram

“I just came to IG specifically to hear from you. I tunes into NBC and you’re missing! When are you coming back? 😢,” another person asked.

“Thanks for the encouraging words. Hope you’re doing great. I missed you this past week so much. It’s not the same without you. Hope to see you soon. ☀️❤️,” someone else added.

A photo of Hoda Kotb sitting onstage wearing a yellow suit
Kotb has kept quiet on why she’s been offscreen for the last week.
Getty Images

“Your vague posts are giving me major anxiety but caring vibes,” another fan wrote.

“I know we will know what’s going on with time. But gosh dang it woman – please let us know what’s going on!”

Reps for Kotb and the “Today” show did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.

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