When the cameras stopped rolling, Hoda Kotb stepped into a new chapter of her life, one that’s far removed from the bright lights and makeup artists of her TV days. Since stepping away from the "Today" show in January, she’s embraced a simpler, more authentic lifestyle. In a recent chat with People, the 60-year-old revealed that she’s only worn makeup "probably three times" since her departure. And honestly? She couldn’t be happier.
“You know what I realized? I don’t even look at myself anymore,” Hoda shared in a candid moment with People on March 5. “When you’re on camera, there’s always a mirror, a camera, and the constant reminder that you need to look a certain way. You’re constantly fussing over your hair, your makeup, everything. But now? Not so much. I’m just living life, and it feels good.”
A New Normal: Life With Her Girls
For Hoda, this new chapter isn’t just about saying goodbye to the cameras—it’s about saying hello to a life centered around her two daughters, Haley Joy, 9, and Hope Catherine, 5. “My kids keep me grounded,” she said. “They’re my priority, and they’re the ones who let me know when I’m looking a little... well, wild. But hey, who cares? I’m happy, and that’s what matters.”
Read also:Cbs Teases A Jawdropping Family Secret In Tracker Season 2 Finale
When it comes to her daily routine, Hoda’s style is as casual as her new lifestyle. “Some days, I might throw on jeans if it’s a ‘crazy’ day, but most of the time, leggings are my go-to,” she joked. “Whether I’m working out before or after dropping the kids off at school, leggings are just the easiest option. And let me tell you, walking to school with my coffee in hand and sweatpants on? It’s the best feeling.”
Saying Goodbye to Studio 1A
Hoda’s final day on the "Today" show was nothing short of emotional. Her daughters, Haley and Hope, joined her as she left Studio 1A in Rockefeller Center for the last time, waving goodbye in a minivan that marked the start of their new chapter together. Just days later, she gave fans a peek into her new stay-at-home-mom life with a cheerful Instagram post. “School drop!!! Let’s goooo!” she captioned, sharing photos of her girls during their morning routine.
Busy But Balanced
While Hoda’s focus is undoubtedly her daughters, don’t mistake her new lifestyle for a quiet one. A source close to her told Closer Weekly that she’s still got big plans. “Her priority will always be her girls, but she’s not one to sit around doing nothing,” the source revealed. “When the girls are at school, Hoda’s still going to be working. This new chapter gives her the freedom to enjoy her mornings without the rush of an early start.”
Early this month, Hoda hinted at her next big venture: a wellness app and company. “I’m diving into wellness in a big way,” she told Kelly Clarkson on January 6. “This isn’t just about vacations with your girlfriends—it’s about transformation. Imagine leaving a retreat feeling like a completely new person. That’s what I want to offer.”
Hoda isn’t navigating motherhood alone; she shares custody of Haley and Hope with her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman. The couple adopted Haley in 2017 and Hope two years later. Though Joel proposed in 2019, the wedding was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic. They eventually decided to part ways amicably in 2022, proving that sometimes love can take on different forms.
