Viewers noticed something was up when Today’s Hoda Kotb stopped wearing her stunning 4-carat diamond and sapphire engagement ring on TV. On January 31, she finally revealed the truth: She and Joel Schiffman, her partner since 2013, decided to part ways. “It’s not like something bad happened,” Hoda explained candidly. “We just realized that we’re better as friends and co-parents than we were as an engaged couple.”
For Hoda, who adopted two beautiful daughters, Haley, 4, and Hope, 2, with Joel, this is a bittersweet chapter. “People often say that relationships are meant to be there for a reason, a season, or a lifetime,” she reflected. “I truly believe ours was meant to be there for a season.” The couple announced their engagement on Today back in 2019, with plans for a 2020 wedding. But life threw them a curveball—the pandemic postponed their big day. And while Hoda had dreams of expanding their family further, adopting more children, Joel, 63, struggled with the idea. An insider shared, “Joel already has a 27-year-old daughter from his previous marriage, and raising two young kids was challenging enough for him. Adding another child wasn’t something they could agree on.”
As time went on, it became evident that Hoda and Joel wanted different things from life. “Sometimes, things just don’t work out, and that’s okay,” Hoda said with grace. She emphasized that she and Joel hope to continue moving forward as friends and loving parents to their two beautiful children. “We’re both committed to being there for Haley and Hope,” she added warmly.
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Looking Toward the Future
The seasoned journalist, who was previously divorced, admitted that she feels a sense of relief now that everything is out in the open. “There’s nothing that soothes your soul more than telling the truth,” Hoda said thoughtfully. She expressed gratitude for the eight years they shared together. “Joel is such a kind and loving person,” she said. “We’re both stepping into our own paths now, but we’ll always be great parents to those two wonderful kids.” While this isn’t the future she envisioned, Hoda remains optimistic. “So many women know what it feels like to pivot in life,” she said. “And right now, I feel incredibly brave—even though it’s a strange feeling.”
