Hoda Kotb Admits She Hides in Minivan to Dodge Home Responsibilities

Hoda Kotb revealed her amusing secret: she hides in her minivan to escape home duties. This revelation came during a chat with her Today cohost Jenna Bush Hager on the NBC morning show on Wednesday, November 20.

"I adore my minivan," Kotb, 60, exclaimed happily.

Bush Hager, 42, posed a direct question: "Have you gone in there just to hide from your children yet?"

Kotb responded with a nod and explained her recent experience: "I cased out my own house. I parked outside and just stayed in the car. I was casing and waiting."

Sharing the joy of solitude, Kotb, who has daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, with ex-partner Joel Schiffman, expressed her struggle with home responsibilities. "When I go home, I can’t get anything done. I can focus in the car before I go inside," she said.

Bush Hager, mother of Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5, echoed Kotb’s sentiment. "You find yourself escaping to your car, listening to music and enjoying alone time. Then you think, ‘Maybe just one more song.’"

"Sometimes you need moments like that," Kotb added, acknowledging the value of this time for reset and recharging.

The audiences of Today have enjoyed watching Kotb and Bush Hager exchange personal parenting tales and advice since Bush Hager joined the show, taking over for Kathie Lee Gifford. In September, Kotb announced her intent to leave in early 2025, prompting speculation about her next role at NBC after nearly three decades with the network.

"I decided it was time to turn the page at 60 and embrace change," Kotb explained, emphasizing her children’s influence on her choice to transition.

Bush Hager responded to Kotb’s announcement with heartfelt emotion. "You can't leave. You’re my go-to for joyful moments and uncertainty!" she shared on Today, recalling the special moment when Kotb invited her to join.

As of now, there has been no announcement regarding a permanent replacement for Kotb on Today With Hoda & Jenna. The show will continue under the name Today With Jenna & Friends, featuring a rotating list of guest hosts.

Kotb recently shared with E News! that she remains uninvolved in the selection process for her replacement. Instead, she encouraged Bush Hager to trust her instincts about the right fit. "Jenna needs to feel what feels right," Kotb said emphatically. "It’s all about that fun party vibe. It can’t feel forced."