Kate Couric Returning to NBC’s ‘Today’ – Why She’s Back on Show
This week’s lineup of Today guests is full of show alums.
One day after Hoda Kotb returned to the NBC morning show to promote her new book, Jump and Find Joy, Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin revealed that another former host will launch a new project on the show. “Quick note about tomorrow. A familiar face will be back here in her old stomping grounds. Katie [Couric]!” Guthrie announced. “It’s been 25 years since she made history on the Today show when she got that colonoscopy live on the air.”
Melvin added, “It moved the needle in terms of screenings around this country. To this day, she remains a leading advocate for colon cancer awareness and research. She’s gonna join us to reveal her next big project aimed at saving lives.”
Noting that he doesn’t want to “give away too much” about Couric’s project, Melvin said he gave preview of a PSA Couric created his stamp of approval.
Couric famously cohosted Today from 1991 to 2006, after which she went on to anchor CBS Evening News until 2011. She also led her self-titled talk show, Katie, from 2012 to 2014. In 2017, she founded her own media company, Katie Couric Media.
Like Melvin, Couric is a big advocate for colorectal cancer research and awareness. Couric’s late husband, John Monahan, died of colorectal cancer in 1998, while Melvin lost his brother Lawrence Meadows to the disease in 2020. (Couric remarried to John Molner in 2014.)
Back in 2000, Couric took Today viewers through her process of getting a colonoscopy — from the prep to the procedure itself — to raise awareness for colon cancer screenings. On the show, she also demonstrated how a colonoscope works to check for signs of cancer.
“It really didn’t hurt. I felt a teeny bit of cramping. And I’m a big baby, so for me to say that, that’s a lot,” Couric shared on the show. “By the way, this is why you need to get tested, because catching those growths before they turn into full-blown cancer is what it’s all about. So, make an appointment, and make sure you go to someone who’s experienced.”
Earlier this year, Couric took to Instagram to celebrate what would have been her and Monahan’s 36th wedding anniversary. “We were married for 10 years before Jay died. This is a sad day for me but also a day of gratitude,” she wrote alongside photos of herself and Monahan with their kids from over the years on June 10. (The couple shared two daughters — Ellie, 34, and Caroline, 29.)
Frank Micelotta / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection
“Although our time together ended far too soon, our love endures, especially in our remarkable daughters,” she continued. “We miss you Jay—every day, but especially on the important milestones where your absence feels so acute. Happy anniversary to you, wherever you may be. And a special thank you to @johnmolner who understands there is room in my heart for both of them. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Today, Weekdays, 7 a.m. ET, NBC
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D
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Katie could encourage the medical community to improve the prep for colonoscopy!! With today’s science, it should be done! More people would get a colonoscopy if the prep was easier!!!
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R
Now you can get tested through a company called Cologuard. Non- invasive. Comparable accuracy. No prep necessary. Essentially all you have to do is ship a stool sample to Wisconsin 🙂
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G
That option is only for low-risk patients however.
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R
Love Katie, felt sorry for her loss and missed her when she left the Today Show.
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O
Yay for Katie! Missed you!!!
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R
Take over for Savanah, she is rude, interrupting people when they talk!!
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P
Oh like other people haven't done it...
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B
With age comes wisdom
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R
It’s amazing that people insist on being rude, either to her or to her successors. Some
People should get a Life instead of insulting people. They might say they are expressing an opinion. But it’s just rudeness.
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C
Cologuard is a great product but if you have even the tiniest bit of hemorrhoidal blood it will detect it as occult blood and then you have to have a colonoscopy. So please don’t assume that the at home test is flawless. Play it safe and Be Sure !!
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B
They needed another liberal with lower Q ratings than the current hosts to drive more people away
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O
Ha!😂🤣.. They need a ratings boost! And they think Katie C will do it for them! In today’s climate? I don’t know.. 🤷🏼♀️
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T
I been battling with issues with my colon. Never get a straight answer. Doctors refused me because of no money. So I just sit in my bed waiting for my day to come. I don't go far from a bathroom. Alot of People do not realize how your colon can actually affect your daily life. Your energy disappears, your bidy no longer gets the nutrients. People like her give hope to people out there like me. Give this wonderful lady the praise for standing up for what she does.
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C
Prayers lifted for your full and speedy recovery. 🙏
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C
Hey just a little note to Try to help people. If you are a white male and age 50 or above and find yourself constantly having to take antacids Get A Doctor’s Appointment and get checked out. You Might with stress on Might have Barrett’s Syndrome which is a precursor to Esophageal Cancer. Don’t panic if you it turns out you do, actually it’s kind of a warning to help avoid full blown cancer, Easily treatable to. Now this said DO NOT go strictly by the age, gender, and race that I posted. It Can be found in people outside of those. But it is primarily found in white men, age 50 and older and having acid reflux often. Hope this helps someone. I’ve had it since 2006 and it’s no big deal. When mine was found I had Barrett’s with Grade 1 dysplasia. The levels of severity are:Barrett’s, then Barrett’s with Grade 1 dysplasia, then Barrett’s with Grade 2 dysplasia which is the worse BUT Still very, very Treatable and Not yet Esophageal Cancer. If you fit into this category or even if you DONT and have Chronic Acid Reflux Please see a Doctor and get it checked out !!
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R
I don’t watch because of Savana’s rudeness. The whole early morning group all talk at the same time talking over each other- makes for miserable watching. Go back to taking turns!
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G
I won’t be tuning her in 😎 !
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C
She won't miss you and neither will I
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O
Of all she accomplished on that show they had to reference her colonoscopy right out the gate? So crass...
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G
I bet she saved some lives after that report aired!
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Her empathy shined through her mourning to save other people by being proactive and wanting to save other people from the terror of colon cancer.
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O
The whole point of her coming back on the show is to promote another project like that one. She is trying to save lives like her late husband. I think reading comprehension is key......
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