Hoda Kotb's Absence from 'Today' Explained: She's 'Dealing' with a 'Family Health Matter'

Hoda Kotb has been taking a break from her anchoring duties on the Today show to focus on a "family health issue," her colleagues revealed on Wednesday.

The Emmy-winning journalist — who co-anchors Today with Savannah Guthrie, as well as co-hosts the NBC daytime show's fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager — has been absent from live airways since Feb. 17, though did appear in a pre-tapped episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna that aired on President's Day, Feb. 20.

Until Wednesday, her leave hasn't been explained to viewers, Guthrie and company simply saying she was "out." Members from the Today family, including Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, have been filling in beside Guthrie.

Guthrie herself had to step away while taping on Tuesday morning after testing positive for coronavirus.

Wednesday's episode saw Melvin and Jones leading the show. At the 7:30 a.m. mark, Melvin provided more context into how Kotb and Guthrie were doing.

"We mentioned that Savannah and Hoda are both off. Savannah, she's home after a positive COVID test yesterday. We are wishing our friend a speedy recovery," he said. "And as for Hoda, we know a lot of you have been wondering how she's doing. We can tell you that Hoda's okay. She's got a family health matter that she's been dealing with, so we look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back at the desk real, real soon."

"We love you both," Today weatherman Al Roker added.

Despite her absence, Kotb has been active on social media, sharing inspirational and encouraging messages.

"Choose hope," a message on Monday read, while on Sunday she shared, "Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts."

"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them," Kotb's post on Feb. 24 read. "I see you… you strong women ❤️," Kotb added.

Other posts over the past week have been about how "dark clouds" move on, while one pointedly showed a child figure being told, "One day you will see just how brave you have been."

As for Guthrie, viewers saw her leave in real time on Tuesday morning's show.

"By the way, it has been an interesting morning for us," Jones told viewers halfway through the broadcast. "As we said, Savannah left early, she wasn't feeling great, so she took a COVID test. It came back positive."

Jones added, "So, as soon as we found out, she rushed home to rest up. So Savannah, we love you, wishing you a speedy recovery."

Back in January, Roker returned to Today after his own health crisis. He had been absent for two months as he went through a life-threatening health crisis.

RELATED VIDEO: Al Roker Surprised by Sweet Serenade from 'Today' Staffers as He Recovers at Home

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The beloved Today personality was celebrated by Guthrie, Kotb, and dozens of fans who held up "Welcome Back" signs outside of the studio.

It was love that was not lost on Roker. "I have missed you guys so very much," he remarked. "You are my second family and it's just great to be back — and wearing pants! It's so much fun."

"My heart is just bursting," he said. "I'm just so thrilled to see all of you and the crew. Right now I'm running on adrenaline."

Today airs weekdays beginning at 7 a.m. on NBC.