It’s been a year since Hoda Kotb shared the emotional details of her daughter Hope’s health scare, and now, she’s opening up about how far her little girl has come. In a candid conversation with People, Hoda, 60, shared an inspiring update on Hope’s journey to recovery, revealing that her daughter is not only thriving but also finding her footing in life.
Hope Is Thriving: Hoda’s Words of Encouragement
“We’re in a place where Hope is absolutely thriving,” Hoda said in an interview with People, published on October 9. “She’s improving, and we’re watching her every step of the way. As time goes on, I believe we’ll have a better understanding of her progress, but already, we’re seeing incredible differences. She’s doing so well, and I couldn’t be prouder. We’ve got an amazing team of caregivers, and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s been there for us during this journey. I feel like Hope is finding her balance, and it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”
A Difficult Time in February 2023
It all started in February 2023 when Hoda took a temporary leave from her role on Today. Her youngest daughter, Hope, had been hospitalized and placed in the ICU due to an unspecified health issue. During this time, Hoda’s cohosts stepped in to keep the show running while she remained by Hope’s side. “My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU, and then in the hospital for over a week,” Hoda recalled during her emotional return to the show in March 2023. “I’m so grateful she’s home now. I waited so long for that day to come, and now, we’re watching her closely to ensure she stays healthy.”
Read also:Dolly Parton Shares Heartfelt Message After Losing Her Beloved Husband Carl Dean
Hoda expressed her gratitude to the medical staff who provided care for Hope during this challenging period. “We went through a truly scary stretch,” she admitted to People in March, reflecting on the experience more than a year later. “Any parent who’s been through something like this with their child knows exactly what I mean. It’s a feeling you can’t describe—seeing your child sick, knowing there’s nothing you can do to fix it, and realizing that no matter how hard you try, you can’t protect them. It’s a position no parent ever wants to find themselves in, and it was incredibly difficult for me.”
A New Chapter for Hoda and Her Family
As Hoda prepares to leave Today in early 2025, she’s excited to focus more on her family and give her daughters, Hope and her older sister Haley, the childhood they deserve. “I want my kids to experience life in a way that’s simple and beautiful,” Hoda shared with People in August. “I want them to feel the grass beneath their feet, play in the yard, ride their bikes down the street, and run up and down the stairs. I envision a life for them in this perfect house in a beautiful little town where they can truly blossom into strong, independent, and kind-hearted women.”
With her departure from Today on the horizon, Hoda is looking forward to spending more quality time with her daughters in their new home. “I told them, ‘Guess what? Mommy is going to be able to take you to school now,’” Hoda recounted with a laugh. “They asked, ‘Wednesday?’ I said, ‘No, honey, not Wednesday.’ ‘Well, Thursday?’ I replied, ‘No, no, honey, it’s going to be after January.’ ‘After my birthday?’ They were shocked. At this point, it seems so far away to them. ‘Is it after Halloween?’ I said, ‘Yes, honey, it’s after Halloween!’ While a month may seem like an eternity to them, they’ll eventually come to understand.”
Insiders revealed to Closer that Hope’s health scare played a significant role in Hoda’s decision to step away from the show. “She’s been seriously considering this move for a while now,” a source explained on October 3. “But it really solidified when her youngest, Hope, got sick last year. After that experience, she took a long, hard look at her priorities and realized how important it was for her to be home more often. It was a life-changing moment for her.”
