In October 2021, Natalie Morales shocked fans and colleagues alike when she announced her departure from NBC’s Today show after an impressive 22-year tenure. The veteran journalist, known for her warmth, professionalism, and journalistic rigor, cited a need for “a change” as her reason for leaving to join CBS’s The Talk.

However, the public explanation barely scratched the surface. While Morales’ colleagues, including Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, publicly expressed support for her new journey, sources close to the situation suggest her exit was driven by a deeply personal motivation: prioritizing her family over the relentless demands of her high-profile role at NBC.

A Storied Career at NBC

Natalie Morales joined NBC in 1999, quickly rising through the ranks to become a trusted face on Today. From her early days as a correspondent to her role as co-anchor of the third hour alongside Roker and others, Morales was a mainstay of morning television.

Her versatility shone through in covering everything from breaking news to human-interest stories, earning her a loyal audience and respect within the industry. Yet, behind the polished on-screen persona, Morales faced a struggle familiar to many working parents: balancing a demanding career with family life.

For 22 years, Morales juggled early-morning call times, late-night assignments, and a whirlwind schedule that often left little room for her roles as a wife to Joe Rhodes and mother to their two sons, Josh and Luke.

The Today show’s fast-paced environment required her to be on-call for major events, from Olympic coverage to presidential elections, often pulling her away from home for extended periods. While Morales thrived professionally, the toll on her personal life became increasingly difficult to ignore.

The Family Factor

According to those close to Morales, the decision to leave NBC was not about seeking new career horizons but about reclaiming time with her family. The journalist reportedly confided in friends that the relentless pace at NBC had caused her to miss key moments in her children’s lives—school events, soccer games, and quiet family dinners.

Her husband, a supportive partner throughout her career, also felt the strain of her demanding schedule. Morales, known for her dedication to both her work and her family, reached a breaking point where she could no longer ignore the sacrifices her career demanded.

“Natalie loved her job, but she felt like she was failing as a wife and mother,” a source close to the family revealed. “She’d been running on empty for years, trying to be everything to everyone. Leaving NBC wasn’t about ambition—it was about choosing her family before it was too late.”

This family-first decision sheds light on why Morales’ departure was met with measured responses from colleagues like Roker and Guthrie. While they publicly wished her well, there were no reports of emotional farewells or tearful goodbyes.

Some speculate this was because her colleagues, accustomed to the grind of morning television, understood her choice but were too entrenched in their own routines to fully empathize. Others suggest the competitive nature of the industry meant her exit was seen as just another shift in the landscape, with little room for sentimentality.

A New Chapter at The Talk

Morales’ move to The Talk offered a fresh start. The CBS daytime show, with its panel format and more predictable schedule, allowed her greater flexibility to be present for her family. Unlike the early mornings and unpredictable assignments at Today, The Talk provided a structure that better aligned with her priorities as a mother and wife. The move also allowed Morales to relocate to Los Angeles, where her family could settle into a new rhythm, closer to extended family on the West Coast.

On The Talk, Morales brought her signature warmth and journalistic expertise, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Yet, her decision to leave in 2023 after just two years sparked further speculation. Was this another sign of her seeking balance? Sources suggest Morales continued to prioritize flexibility, taking on freelance projects and roles that allowed her to dictate her schedule while staying engaged in journalism.

Colleagues’ Reactions: Support Without Tears

The lack of overt emotional displays from colleagues like Roker and Guthrie may reflect the high-pressure environment of network television, where departures are common and personal connections can take a backseat to professional demands. “They respected Natalie’s choice, but they’re all in the same grind,” a former NBC staffer noted. “They supported her because they knew she was doing what was right for her, but they’re not the type to dwell on it.”

Publicly, Roker and Guthrie offered warm statements, with Roker tweeting, “We’re so proud of you, Natalie! Go shine!” and Guthrie echoing similar sentiments. Behind the scenes, however, the focus quickly shifted to filling Morales’ role, underscoring the relentless pace of the industry.

A Universal Struggle

Morales’ story resonates with countless working parents who face the challenge of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Her decision to leave NBC wasn’t a rejection of her professional legacy but a courageous step toward reclaiming her personal life. While her colleagues may not have shed tears, their support—however reserved—acknowledged her right to choose a path that prioritized her family.

Today, Morales continues to thrive, blending her passion for storytelling with a schedule that allows her to be the wife and mother she wants to be. Her departure from NBC serves as a reminder that even the most successful careers can’t outweigh the value of family—and sometimes, the biggest changes come from listening to the heart.