Tamron Hall Says She ‘Understands’ Why Hoda Kotb Is Leaving Today: ‘Not Easy’ (Exclusive) ArticlePure

Tamron Hall is proud of her former NBC colleague Hoda Kotb.

While speaking with PEOPLE at the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, the former co-host of Today’s third hour reacted to the news that Kotb, 60, is exiting her current role at the long-running morning show.

“Oh, you know what? I understand it. I do. I understand it greatly. Being a mom — being a mom who is a bit older, you want to give your child, your family as much time and love as possible,” says Hall, 54, who is mom to son Moses, 5.

On Sept. 26, Kotb announced she would leave Today to spend more time with her family. She recently moved to a house in the suburbs with daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 4. She will stay in her current NBC roles until early 2025.

“I think it’s a beautiful decision and one that was not easy to make, but I’m proud of her,” says Hall.

The Tamron Hall Show host departed NBC herself in February 2017, after NBC announced that she was losing her time slot co-hosting Today‘s 9 a.m. hour to Megyn Kelly. (In 2019, Hall’s own daily talk show premiered and is now in its sixth season.) Despite the shocking exit at the time, there was no love lost among her former colleagues.

“I respect that decision and wish her and her adorable daughters nothing but the best,” says Hall.  

Kotb penned a letter to the staff of NBC on Sept. 26. before sharing the departure news on air.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

The journalist, who has been at NBC for 26 years, will remain on the network in some capacity.

“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she wrote in her letter. 

Alongside Savannah Guthrie, Kotb is the co-anchor of NBC News’ Today and the co-host of Today‘s fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager.

Kotb and Guthrie, 52, made history as the first-ever pair of female co-hosts of the popular morning talk show.

The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is taking place now September 27-29.