Hoda Kotb recently shared a delightful moment as she reunited with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman for a family day filled with laughter and love. This wasn't just any get-together; it was a special celebration with their daughters, Haley and Hope, in Hoda's new suburban home. Hoda, ever the warm and inviting host, made sure this day was all about family and creating cherished memories.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, March 2, Hoda, 60, shared a snapshot of her dining room table where the magic happened. In the photo, Hoda is beaming with joy as she poses in front of her beautifully decorated table. Seated around the table were Joel, 66, and their daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. The meal of choice? A classic favorite—spaghetti and meatballs, paired with a fresh salad. It's the kind of meal that brings people together, and it was clear that this family was having a fantastic time in their cozy new home.
Hoda captioned the post, “Gangs all here! Xo,” a simple yet heartfelt message that encapsulated the essence of the gathering. It was clear that this wasn't just a casual dinner; it was a celebration of family, friendship, and love.
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What made the scene even more enchanting was the vibrant pink and purple party decorations that adorned the room. Balloons and banners added a festive touch, making the space feel like a celebration. In the comments section, fans couldn't help but notice Joel's presence and his role in this joyful family moment.
One commenter playfully remarked, “Girl, Joel is looking hot at the end of the table,” while another expressed their happiness, saying, “Glad Joel is there!” Yet another fan chimed in, “Beautiful gang! You’re blessed by loving friends! Glad you’re keeping Joel in your fold!” It's evident that Hoda's fans are as delighted as she is to see her maintain such a positive relationship with Joel.
A Longstanding Friendship Amidst Change
Hoda and Joel were last seen together celebrating Christmas last year, a testament to their enduring friendship. While they may no longer be a couple, their bond as co-parents remains strong. A source close to the family told Closer that reconciliation isn't on the horizon, but that hasn't stopped them from fostering a positive relationship for the sake of their children.
“Hoda knows they’re no longer a couple, but she feels so happy and thrilled that they can be the best of friends and get together like this as a family and create more wonderful memories with each other and the kids,” the insider revealed in January. This kind of understanding and mutual respect is rare, and it speaks volumes about Hoda and Joel's character.
“They’ve worked through their differences to co-parent and exist peacefully. She and Joel have come to a mutual understanding and they’re in a good place,” the insider continued. “She knows he will always be there for her and vice versa. He still gives the best presents ever on any occasion!” It's this level of support and care that makes their friendship so special.
A Journey of Love and Growth
Hoda and Joel's journey together began quietly in 2013, but it wasn't until 2015 that they publicly confirmed their romance. During their relationship, they welcomed their daughters, Haley and Hope, into the world. In 2019, the Today alum and the financier became engaged, a moment that Hoda described with palpable excitement.
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“My heart has literally been pounding,” Hoda said of the moment Joel proposed. “I was totally shocked. He had a good poker face.” It was a moment filled with joy and anticipation for the future. However, life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and in January 2022, Hoda announced their breakup.
Reflecting on Love and Lessons Learned
Years later, Hoda opened up about their split during an episode of the Jamie Kern Lima Show in August 2024. “Joel is one of the best people I know,” she reflected. “He really is a great human being, and I feel like I’m a great human being. But sometimes two great human beings together isn’t enough to make it work … I think when people are growing at different paces, it’s hard to be in sync. And I think a lot of people are probably in these situations. I get it.”
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Hoda remains optimistic about love and the future. “When I close my eyes and I envision the romantic part of my life, I can see it very clearly — I know it is coming for me,” she said. “For the first time in my life, since after Hope, I am me. Someone’s meeting me – not the version that you might want, or the version that I’ll twist a little bit to fit your needs or what is appealing to you. But this is who I am. I feel like, once you get there, you’re like, your heart rests.”
