Why Hoda Kotb's exit from the “Today” show is “the hardest thing in the world”

It was an early morning shock: Hoda Kotb announced on Thursday, September 26, that she is leaving the “Today” show, which she co-hosted for more than five years.

This may not seem like earth-shattering news, and it probably isn't, but for many people it's more important than you might think.

As the show's cast gathered on a couch at the end of the show, in one of those moments that only happen on a morning show, Kotb made the announcement. “This is the hardest thing in the world,” she said. Tears flowed, pleasantries were exchanged and Kotb explained her decision. She had recently turned 60, she said, and it had given her a new perspective on things. The same was true of her children, whom she said she gave birth to later in life.