Hoda Kotb returns to 'Today,' says daughter Hope was hospitalized: 'She is back home'

Hoda Kotb is back on "Today" after a two-week absence.

"My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week," Kotb said at the top of the show. "I’m so grateful she’s home. She is back home."

She added: "I was waiting for that day to come. And we are watching her closely. I’m just so happy."

The co-anchor did not disclose details about the reason for Hope's hospitalization.

Kotb got emotional as she expressed gratitude for those who have supported her amid her 3-year-old's health scare, including her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Previous: Hoda Kotb missing from the 'Today' show due to a 'family health matter'

"You know what I realized, too, Savannah? When your child is ill, the amount of gratitude you can have for people who helped you out," Kotb said. "I’m grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who were amazing and the nurses. And I’m grateful to my family, and I’m grateful to friends like you who were there every single day. So, I want to say thank you for that. I love you."

Guthrie responded, "I love you, too," as the pair held hands.

Kotb's absence was first discussed Wednesday by "Today" co-anchor Craig Melvin.

"A whole lot of you have been wondering how she's doing, we can tell you that Hoda is OK. She's got a family health matter she has been dealing with," he said.

Guthrie was also missing from the broadcast last week after testing positive for COVID Tuesday. She abruptly left after starting "Today" when she began to feel under the weather.

Savannah Guthrie leaves 'Today' in the middle of the show after testing positive for COVID-19

Kotb was last on air Feb. 17 and had been posting inspirational quotes on Instagram in her time off about bravery, blue skies, brave women, hope and miracles.

The "Today" anchor, who has been with NBC News since 1998, has been open about her personal life on air, including the adoption of her daughters Hope and Haley, 6, and last year's split between her and her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.

Contributing: Elise Brisco

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hoda Kotb returns to 'Today,' says daughter Hope was hospitalized