Let me tell you a story about bravery, and it doesn’t involve me this time—it’s all about my little girl, Hope. At a recent birthday party, Hoda Kotb watched in awe as her youngest daughter, Hope, took on an obstacle course with the kind of determination that only a child can muster. “I watched her grab on, pull herself up, and stand there, scared to be high up,” Hoda recalls, her voice trembling with pride. “And then, she flung herself into a big vat of those squishy foam things. That’s when I started weeping. It was such a powerful moment to witness her courage.”
But it’s not just Hope who’s ready to take on new challenges. Hoda herself, the beloved coanchor of the Today show, has decided it’s time to step back into the dating world after focusing on her career and raising her daughters. “I’ve only been on two dates in the past two years,” she confessed to her coanchor, Jenna Bush Hager. Jenna, always the supportive friend, replied, “Well, I think it’s time for us to change that.” Hoda laughed, acknowledging the nudge her friend gave her.
Back in 2019, Hoda’s partner, Joel Schiffman, proposed marriage. Joel had been instrumental in helping her raise her adopted daughters, Haley, who’s now 7, and Hope, who’s 4. However, their romantic relationship came to an end in 2022 after eight years together. “Sometimes, relationships are meant to be there for a reason, a season, or a lifetime,” Hoda reflected. “I feel like ours was meant to be there for a season, and now it’s time for something new.”
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Life as a Single Mom: A Season of Growth
The past few years as a single mom have been a beautiful journey for Hoda. A close friend described her as someone who’s equally comfortable being in a relationship or being single. “She loves having a partner for dinner dates,” the friend said, “but there’s something liberating about coming home and not having to answer to anyone.” When Hope faced a health crisis in 2023 that required a hospital stay, Hoda was able to focus all her energy on her daughter. “I am so happy and fulfilled,” she says of her role as a mother to her girls. “Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
With her children thriving and her career stronger than ever, Hoda is ready to open her heart to love again. “My sister once asked me, ‘Are you afraid of being by yourself?’” Hoda shared. “And I said to her, ‘I am not going to be by myself.’ I can sometimes feel him, even though I don’t know what he looks like yet. But I feel like it will happen. It’s just a matter of time.”
What's Next for Hoda Kotb?
Hoda’s life is a beautiful tapestry of motherhood, career, and personal growth. As she navigates this next chapter, she’s embracing the unknown with the same courage and grace she’s always shown. Whether it’s watching her daughters conquer their fears or stepping back into the dating world, Hoda is proving that life is full of unexpected adventures—and that’s exactly how she likes it.
