Hoda Kotb started celebrating Independence Day early this year, spending quality time with her daughters, Haley and Hope. The beloved Today show host shared a heartwarming set of photos with her kids before jetting off to cover an important assignment.
“Happy early 4th!” Hoda, 59, wrote in the caption for the pictures posted on Sunday, June 30. In the images, she's cradling her youngest, Hope, who's four, while her seven-year-old, Haley, stands proudly beside her. The backdrop of fireworks adds a festive touch, signaling the start of their holiday cheer.
Hoda shares her two children with her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman. Their relationship ended in January 2022, as she revealed on Today, but clearly, the bond she shares with her daughters remains stronger than ever.
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A Look Back at Hoda's Family Life and Career
Not long after posting those precious family photos, Hoda was off to Minnesota to report on the final night of the gymnastics Olympic trials. The event took place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, where she enthusiastically cheered on the athletes competing for a spot on the Olympic team. A clip from Today’s official Instagram account captures her clapping and cheering as the women gave it their all in pursuit of their dreams.
Hoda's Passion for Gymnastics and Simone Biles
For years, Hoda has been a huge fan of gymnastics, and her admiration for Simone Biles is no secret. Simone, a legend in the sport, secured her place on the Olympic team for the third time, and Hoda was there to witness the historic moment. The caption on Today’s Instagram post read, “Still feeling so hyped from last night’s gymnastics Olympic trials! Next stop: Paris.”
In a touching moment, Hoda was seen mingling with Simone's family in the stands. She hugged and chatted with Simone’s husband, Jonathan Owens, and her little sister, Adria Biles. Other team members who made the cut include Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera, while Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong were named alternates.
Simone Biles Speaks About Her Journey
During an interview with Hoda following the trials, which aired on NBC on Monday, July 1, Simone opened up about her feelings heading into the Paris Olympics. “It feels like deja vu, but also a bit of a redemption tour,” Simone, 27, explained. “In Tokyo, we didn’t perform at our best, so we’re super excited to go out there and give it our all.”
Simone praised the exceptional talent showcased at the trials this year. “With the depth of talent in the U.S., it’s incredible. We’re all fighting for the same spots, but that’s what makes Team USA so special. We’ve got grit, power, grace, and everything else you need to compete at this level. We’re just fighting for that spot.”
Hoda's Excitement for Paris Olympics
The Today team is set to travel to Paris later this month to cover the Olympics, and the excitement is palpable. Hoda and Savannah Guthrie, both seasoned broadcasters, are thrilled to be a part of it. They previously traveled to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics, navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.
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Savannah, 52, joked about Hoda's role as the unofficial "den mother" of USA Gymnastics during a segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March. She recounted how Hoda’s enthusiasm led to a minor international incident when she hugged athletes, despite restrictions during the Tokyo Olympics. “Hoda was like, ‘Well, their families aren’t here, and someone’s got to give them a hug,’” Savannah recalled. “The Japanese government was like, ‘Tell that woman to stop hugging the athletes.’ It almost became an international incident.”
Hoda laughed it off, admitting, “I almost got in trouble big time, big time.”
