Her comeback wasn’t just a decision made by the writers — it was personal. Cote admitted that stepping away from NCIS was one of the hardest choices of her life, but the love she continued to receive from viewers made her feel like she had unfinished business. “The letters, the messages… they meant everything,” she added.
The actress hinted that her return could be more than just a cameo. “There’s always a part of Ziva in me,” she said, sparking hope for future appearances. For many, Ziva’s strength and resilience mirror their own, and Cote’s words only deepened the connection. Fans across the world are now sharing memories and begging for her full-time return — and this time, they might just get it.