Embracing the Next Chapter with Grace and Excitement
As Hoda Kotb prepares to bid farewell to the "Today" show early next year, marking her final episode after almost two decades of shining on the program, she’s stepping into a brand-new chapter of life with an open heart and ready spirit. This isn’t just about saying goodbye to the daily grind—it’s about embracing what comes next. Luckily for her, this next phase promises to be filled with exciting opportunities and meaningful experiences, including the possibility of finding love again.
An insider shared exclusively with Closer, “Hoda doesn’t get bored easily. She’s someone who thrives on staying active and engaged. Her life will remain full as she shifts focus to the things that matter most to her now.” Whether it’s diving deeper into her role as a mother, nurturing her close-knit circle of friends, or even exploring the dating scene, Hoda is ready to take on whatever comes her way with her trademark charm and grace.
Open to Love, but Not in a Rush
While Hoda is open to the idea of dating, it’s not something she’s prioritizing at the moment. “She’s open to dating, but while it’s not her priority, she’d love to find love again,” the source added. Hoda, now 60, had a well-publicized engagement to Joel Schiffman in 2019, but they parted ways amicably in 2022. Since then, the best-selling author has been vocal about her willingness to let love find her once more.
Read also:Hoda Kotb Reunites With Ex Joel Schiffman For A Heartwarming Family Gathering
Back in August, just days after celebrating her 60th birthday, Hoda told Page Six, “I can see romance clearly, I just can. It’s how you know something is meant to be.” At this stage in her life, she’s embracing the beauty of growth and reinvention. “I thought 50 was great, but 60 may be it! I feel like this is the season of repotting and growth,” she shared. “There’s this feeling that the roots are up in the air, but then you land in this rich soil and you’re like, ‘Oh, more room to grow.’”
A Mother First, Always
Hoda’s life is already rich with love and purpose, especially as the proud mom of two daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with Joel Schiffman. Despite her openness to dating, she remains grounded in her role as a parent. Earlier this year, she went on three dates with a mystery man, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit. “I did go on the third date, but I did kind of decide in that space — because this person who’s a lovely human being has a lot of … things that are being worked out — that I think I’m looking for more … simplicity,” she explained during an episode of “The Jamie Kern Lima Show” podcast.
Hoda emphasized that ending things with the mystery man was done with mutual respect and kindness. “That has been tabled beautifully, like, nothing funky, all good,” she said. “He’s very cute, by the way, extremely handsome. I’ll show you a picture after, but [things are] tabled for now.”
When it comes to envisioning her future, Hoda remains optimistic about finding true love. “I picture that — a great love down the road. And I see it,” she told People in an interview published on October 10. “It’s not like, ‘Boy, I wish. I hope.’ No. I see it,” she elaborated. “I don’t know how it will and when it will come, but when I close my eyes, you know they say, ‘What can you see on the other side when you’re jumping?’ And I can see it.”
Friends Want to Help Her Find Love
Her close friends haven’t been shy about trying to set her up with some high-profile matches. During a September 12 episode of "Today," Jenna Bush Hager attempted to connect Hoda with none other than Lenny Kravitz. Then, during the October 9 episode, guest Ali Wong tried to introduce her to Eric André, who happens to be a huge fan. “Eric André is like obsessed with you,” Ali told Hoda. “Look, he’s a colorful dresser. He’s the host of his own show.”
Eric, it turns out, dressed up as Hoda for Halloween once. “I asked him, when I was talking about dating, I was like, ‘What is your type?’ And he responded, ‘Hoda Kotb,’” Ali recalled. While Hoda isn’t actively seeking romance right now, she’s grateful for the support and encouragement from her friends as she navigates this exciting new chapter.
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