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While standing as a major player on the show since 1996, Roker discussed whether or not he plans to retire in an interview with People on September 30.
Roker’s Responses on Whether He is Retiring From ‘Today’ Anytime Soon
“You know when you know,” Roker commented when asked about retirement. He noted that each person has their own reason for stepping away, referencing Kotb’s decision and even President Joe Biden.
While acknowledging that his time to leave the show will eventually come, Roker clarified that it’s not in the immediate future. “I don’t feel like that’s my time yet, but who knows,” he admitted while speaking with the outlet. “Maybe a year or two. Maybe not, but I’m enjoying it. I love this. You don’t get off the train until the last stop.”
Roker, who turned 70 in August, spoke about the balance between career and personal life, a topic Kotb also emphasized during her own emotional announcement.
Reflecting On Kotb’s Decision On Leaving ‘Today’
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Kotb, who is 60, revealed her decision to leave Today in September 2025, explaining that her two daughters, Haley and Hope, now deserve more of her attention. “I had my kiddos later in life and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb said through tears. “I’m gonna be here through the first of the year — past the first of the year — and I’m gonna stay in the NBC family, but it’s kind of a big deal for me.”
Roker, a father of three, completely understands her motivation, having had the chance to watch his children grow while balancing his career.
I’m very fortunate in that I’ve watched my kids grow up. Especially when Courtney was younger, I was in local news, so I was home in the morning with my kids. But she’s got two young daughters, Haley and Hope … Those moments, those kids grow up. I mean, it’s cliché, but because it’s true. It’s like you blink,” he concluded. “So I understand exactly why she did it.”
Despite the sadness surrounding Kotb’s departure, Roker is reassured that she will still be part of the NBC family, taking on other roles within the network. “I would feel much worse if she was leaving, but she’s just doing something else within our NBC News family,” he remarked.
Even though Kotb’s exit will leave a big void on the show, her fans and co-hosts are excited for her as she starts this new phase in her life. Even while Roker is still having fun on Today, he knows that he will eventually make his own choice. He’s content to remain where he is for the time being, entertaining audiences every morning.
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