Why the ‘M’ Necklace Hoda Kotb Wore During Her Exit from the Today Show Is So Special and Meaningful

During her announcement of leaving the *Today* program, Hoda Kotb wore a piece of jewelry that carried deep significance.

On Thursday, September 26, after 17 years with the show, she shared that she would be stepping down to dedicate more time to her two daughters, Haley Joy, age seven, and Hope Catherine, age four.

At 60 years old, Kotb expressed her sentiments in a heartfelt letter to the *Today* team, stating, “My broadcast career has been incredibly meaningful, but a new decade of my life lies ahead, and my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. While I will miss you all terribly, I am ready and excited for what’s next.”

Additionally, during an emotional address on air that same morning, she wore her signature piece of jewelry: a gold necklace featuring a charm shaped like the letter “M.”

Hoda previously revealed the necklace’s special meaning on a *Today* episode in January 2022, where she answered viewers’ questions. “The letter ‘M’ stands for Mom,” she explained. She also pointed out her other necklaces, saying, “I have ‘Haley’ and ‘Hope’ on one of them. This one says ‘I love you, Mama.’ Each one of them comes from one of my girlfriends.”

When cohost Jenna Bush Hager asked if “Mom” was her favorite title, Kotb quickly agreed. “The letter ‘M’ is so me,” she said. “If it weren’t for my children’s initials, that would be the initial I’d want to wear. Who knew I’d get the chance to wear that letter?”

In 2017, Kotb adopted Haley after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, which made her unable to conceive. She welcomed her second daughter, Hope, in 2019. Both girls are from her previous relationship with Joel Schiffman.

In her letter to the NBC staff, Kotb candidly admitted, “My heart is all over the map.” She continued, “I know I’m making the right choice, but it’s a tough one. Each of you is the reason why. I’m feeling the depth of the saying, ‘two things can be right at the same time.’ I love you all, but it’s time for me to step away from the program.”

She also mentioned that she would remain in her role until early 2025 and would continue to work with the network in some capacity afterward. “Happily and gratefully, I plan to stay a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been fortunate enough to cherish,” Kotb concluded in her letter.