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The Untold Story Of Hoda Kotb’s Daughters: Why She Left The Today Show For Haley Joy And Hope Catherine

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The life of a broadcast journalist is a whirlwind of early mornings and breaking news, but for Hoda Kotb, everything changed when she became a mother. As of December 2025, the celebrated former *Today Show* co-anchor is fully dedicated to her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, following her highly publicized decision to step away from her main anchor role earlier this year. Her journey to motherhood—a story of faith, resilience, and unconditional love—has become one of the most inspiring narratives in modern media, especially as she navigates new family challenges, including a recent, private health diagnosis for her youngest daughter.

This deep dive explores the current lives of Haley Joy and Hope Catherine Kotb, detailing their unique adoption story, their personalities, and the major life events that led Hoda to prioritize her family above her legendary career, providing the freshest updates on one of television’s most beloved families.

Hoda Kotb: A Biographical Profile and Career Timeline

Hoda Kotb is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her nearly two-decade-long tenure at NBC News. Born to Egyptian parents, Hoda’s career is marked by resilience and an ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

  • Full Name: Hoda Kotb
  • Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 61
  • Birthplace: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Parents: Sameha "Sami" (mother) and Abdel Kader Kotb (father)
  • Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in broadcast journalism, 1986)
  • Career Highlights:
    • 1986–1998: Worked at various local news stations, including a 6-year stint in New Orleans.
    • 1998–2007: Correspondent for *Dateline NBC*.
    • 2007–2025: Co-host of the fourth hour of the *Today Show* with Kathie Lee Gifford and later, Jenna Bush Hager.
    • 2018–2025 (Jan): Co-anchor of the main two hours of *Today* alongside Savannah Guthrie, becoming the first pair of female anchors for the show.
  • Marital/Relationship Status: Divorced from Burzis Kanga (2005–2008); separated from long-time fiancé Joel Schiffman (2022).
  • Children: Two adopted daughters, Haley Joy Kotb and Hope Catherine Kotb.

The Miracle of Motherhood: Haley Joy and Hope Catherine

Hoda’s path to becoming a mother was anything but conventional, following a battle with breast cancer in 2007 that left her unable to conceive. Her decision to pursue adoption with her then-partner, financier Joel Schiffman, was a deeply emotional and life-changing moment that she has openly shared with the world, inspiring millions.

Haley Joy Kotb: The First Valentine’s Day Gift

Haley Joy Kotb was adopted by Hoda in February 2017, when Hoda was 52 years old. The announcement of her arrival on the *Today Show* was an outpouring of pure joy, capturing the hearts of viewers everywhere. The name "Haley" was chosen simply because Hoda loved it, and "Joy" was added because she brings so much joy to Hoda’s life.

  • Date Adopted: February 2017 (around Valentine's Day)
  • Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 8 years old
  • Personality: Described by Hoda as a spirited, compassionate, and protective big sister. She is often seen in family photos and videos engaging in creative play and showing a thoughtful side.

Hope Catherine Kotb: A Wish Fulfilled

Two years later, in April 2019, Haley Joy became a big sister with the adoption of Hope Catherine Kotb. The name "Hope" was chosen because Hoda believes that is what she is—a miracle and a wish come true—and "Catherine" is in honor of Hoda's sister, Hala.

  • Date Adopted: April 2019
  • Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 6 years old
  • Health Update: In a candid revelation that influenced her career decisions, Hoda shared that Hope was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This chronic autoimmune condition requires careful, constant management, including monitoring blood sugar levels and insulin administration, which has become a central focus for the family.

The Real Reason Behind Hoda’s 2025 Career Shift

In January 2025, Hoda Kotb made the surprising and emotional announcement that she would be stepping down as the main co-anchor of the *Today Show* to take on a reduced role, focusing on special projects and her popular fourth-hour segment. The primary reason, she explained, was the need to devote more time to her daughters, a decision heavily influenced by a significant family event.

Prioritizing Family Health and Co-Parenting

The diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes for young Hope Catherine was a pivotal moment for Hoda. Managing T1D in a child is an all-encompassing task that requires a high degree of presence and attention. Hoda’s decision was a clear statement that her family's well-being, particularly Hope's ongoing health management, was her number one priority.

This new chapter has also highlighted the successful co-parenting dynamic between Hoda and her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman. Despite ending their romantic relationship in 2022, Hoda has consistently praised Joel for remaining a loving and active father figure in the girls' lives. They work together seamlessly to ensure both Haley Joy and Hope Catherine have a stable and supportive environment, a testament to their commitment to their family unit.

Life Off-Camera: New Home and Family Adventures

Away from the intense spotlight of Rockefeller Center, the Kotb family has embraced a quieter, more focused life. In 2024, Hoda made the strategic decision to move her children to a new home outside of the immediate bustle of New York City, providing a more peaceful environment for the girls to grow up. This move, combined with her reduced work schedule, allows for more quality time, including:

  • School and Extracurricular Activities: Being present for school drop-offs and pick-ups.
  • Family Vacations: Taking more extended trips, often joined by Hoda’s sister, Hala Kotb, and other family members.
  • Simple Joys: Focusing on everyday moments, like reading stories, cooking together, and enjoying quiet evenings, which Hoda frequently shares on her social media, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and faith.

Hoda’s transparency about her life—from her breast cancer survivorship to her adoption journey and now her daughter’s health challenge—has made her a relatable icon for millions of parents facing complex decisions. Her latest chapter is a powerful reminder that true success lies in the ability to choose what matters most, and for Hoda Kotb, that is undoubtedly her two beloved daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.

The Impact of Hoda’s Adoption Story on Public Discourse

Hoda Kotb’s decision to adopt later in life, following a cancer diagnosis, has had a profound impact on the conversation around non-traditional family structures. Her story has become a beacon of hope for women who face infertility, whether due to age, medical conditions, or other circumstances. By sharing her emotional journey—from the initial fear of not becoming a mother to the overwhelming joy of holding her children—Hoda has normalized and celebrated domestic adoption as a beautiful and viable path to parenthood.

The visibility of her family life on a major platform like NBC News has also helped to destigmatize the adoption process, encouraging potential parents to consider it. Entities like the National Adoption Center and various adoption agencies frequently cite Hoda’s story as a source of inspiration. Her openness about the challenges, including the recent health diagnosis of Hope Catherine, reinforces the reality that all families face hurdles, regardless of how they are formed. Hoda’s commitment to co-parenting with Joel Schiffman further demonstrates a modern, mature approach to family dynamics, showing that a couple can redefine their relationship to best serve the needs of their children.

hoda kotb children
hoda kotb children

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