Hoda Kotb’s heart remains with New Orleans, even as she co-hosts the New Year’s Day Rose Parade.
During the live broadcast, Kotb and her co-host Al Roker addressed the horrific tragedy that occurred earlier that morning on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The attack left 10 people dead and around 35 others injured. .. Continue reading here ▶
“Before we begin the festivities, we want to share our deepest sympathies with everyone affected by this tragic event in New Orleans,” Roker, 70, said during NBC’s broadcast from Pasadena, California.
Kotb, who has a deep connection to New Orleans from her years living and working there during the ‘90s, added, “Many people woke up to the devastating news.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in New Orleans. It’s my second home, and my heart broke this morning.”
Despite the somber start, Kotb emphasized the importance of focusing on positivity during the Rose Parade broadcast.
“We’re here to bring some light today, and we’re happy to be with you this morning,” she said.
Details of the New Orleans Tragedy
The tragedy occurred at around 3:15 a.m. local time on New Year’s Day when a man driving a pickup truck intentionally drove into pedestrians on Bourbon Street.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism.” The driver was killed by police following an exchange of gunfire.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as deliberate. “This was very intentional.
The driver went around barricades to carry out this horrific act. He was determined to cause as much harm as possible,” Kirkpatrick said.
Kotb’s Connection to New Orleans
Hoda Kotb spent much of the 1990s as a reporter and anchor for New Orleans’ WWL, a CBS affiliate. She has long expressed her love for the city, frequently supporting the New Orleans Saints and even delivering the commencement speech at Tulane University in 2016.
“It’s the closest to a hometown I’ve ever felt,” Kotb told Southern Living in June 2024. “New Orleans has a magnetism that captures you immediately.”
What’s Next for Hoda Kotb
Kotb is just days away from stepping down from her role on the Today show to focus on spending more time with her family. Her last day as co-anchor of Today and co-host of Today with Hoda and Jenna is scheduled for January 10.
