NBC’s Today show went without a host this week… and last week.
But on Wednesday, and NBC News star finally addressed Hoda Kotb’s longtime absence from the air.
Kotb is dealing with an unspecified “family health matter,” the show’s Craig Melvin said.
Meanwhile, co-host Savannah Guthrie left the show mid-broadcast on Tuesday after feeling ill. She later tested positive for COVID when she wasn’t feeling well Tuesday, leaving mid-show.
“By the way, it has been an interesting morning for us,” news anchor Sheinelle Jones, the substitute, said on air. “As we said, Savannah left early, she wasn’t feeling great, so she took a COVID test. It came back positive.”
News anchor Melvin and Jones were on the set Wednesday, along with NBC News stalwart Al Roker. Last year, Roker took his own health leave from NBC News, but he appears to have recovered.
There’s no specific estimate on when either might return, a Today spokeswoman said.
“We look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very, very soon,” Melvin said.
Both @SavannahGuthrie and @HodaKotb are off today, with Savannah recovering from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. As for Hoda, she is okay and handling a family health matter. We’re sending our love to them both and can’t wait to see them in the studio soon 🧡 pic.twitter.com/EcfVV1zsac
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 1, 2023
Kotb usually hosts both the first hour and the fourth hour of Today, which runs from 7 to 11.
Jenna Bush Hager, the fourth-hour co-host, told viewers, “We just want to let you all know that we heard you, and Hoda is OK. She just has a family health matter she is dealing with.” Willie Geist filled in for Kotb during that broadcast.
Kotb has remained active on social media, despite leaving the airwaves. “Here’s to strong women,” she posted on Instagram late last month. “Choose hope.”
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The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article.