There’s no denying that Hoda Kotb has been a beloved figure on the TODAY show for years, but as she prepares to leave the morning program after nearly two decades, her cohost Jenna Bush Hager decided to take a trip down memory lane. With just over a month left until Hoda’s departure from the fourth hour of TODAY, Jenna playfully poked fun at her colleague’s love life during their Wednesday, December 4, episode of TODAY With Hoda & Jenna.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Curiosity About Hoda’s 20s
Jenna, who’s now 43 and married to Henry Hager, started the playful banter by asking Hoda, who’s 60, a cheeky question: “Did you have a lot of relationships in your 20s?” Jenna, who got married at the age of 26, was clearly curious about how Hoda navigated love during her younger years. It’s worth noting that Jenna herself spent much of her 20s building a life with her husband, eventually welcoming three children—Mila, Poppy, and Hal.
Hoda Reflects on Her Nomadic 20s
Hoda shared that her 20s were all about chasing her dreams in the world of local news. “I was moving from city to city when I was in local news,” she explained. Each move meant a new adventure, a new city, and sometimes, a new romance. For Hoda, dating was often tied to her location, as she would “date someone in the city” where her TV station was located. It was a whirlwind of excitement and exploration, as she built her career one city at a time.
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Jenna’s Spicy Comeback: Ludacris in the Mix
Jenna couldn’t help but laugh and reference a classic Ludacris song when she heard Hoda’s story. “Ludacris is singing in my head ‘cause you moved from city to city and you had somebody in a different area code,” Jenna exclaimed, referencing the rapper’s 2001 hit, “I’ve Got H–s in Different Area Codes.” The entire crew on set erupted in laughter, and the moment became a highlight of the episode. Jenna’s humor brought the house down, proving once again why she’s such a great cohost.
Hoda’s response only fueled Jenna’s playful teasing. “Well, you meet people, and then, you get another job, so you have to leave,” Hoda admitted. Jenna seized the opportunity to ask, “So, you had men all over the country? You gotta go back and listen to that song ‘Area Codes.’” The banter continued, leaving both hosts and the studio audience in stitches.
Hoda’s Journey in TV News
Hoda’s career in TV news began right out of college, working at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi. She then moved to WQAD in Moline, Illinois, where she worked as a reporter in 1988. From there, she climbed the ranks, becoming the weekend anchor at WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, from 1989 to 1991. Hoda spent six years as an anchor and reporter at WWL in New Orleans, Louisiana, before landing her big break with NBC News in 1998.
Love and Heartbreak Along the Way
Hoda’s personal life has had its fair share of ups and downs. She married University of New Orleans tennis coach Burzis Kanga in 2005, but the couple divorced in 2008 after years of dating on and off. Hoda found love again with Joel Schiffman, whom she met at a Wall Street event in 2013. The couple kept their romance private for two years before going public. Hoda adopted her eldest daughter, Haley, in 2017, followed by her second daughter, Hope, in 2019—the same year she and Joel got engaged. Unfortunately, their wedding plans were delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in January 2022, Hoda announced their breakup during an episode of TODAY.
Hoda’s Farewell to TODAY
On September 26, Hoda made the emotional announcement that she would be leaving TODAY after 17 incredible years. Her final day on the show will be January 10, 2025, marking the end of an era. After Hoda’s departure, the fourth hour of TODAY will be renamed TODAY With Jenna & Friends, featuring a rotating panel of guest cohosts as NBC searches for a permanent replacement. Fans and colleagues alike are celebrating Hoda’s legacy and looking forward to what’s next for this remarkable woman.
