The name Hoda Kotb has become synonymous with warmth, authenticity, and morning television excellence. For over two decades, she brightened millions of mornings as a co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, but her story extends far beyond the studio lights. From her early days as a young journalist to her recent departure from morning television, Hoda Kotb’s journey reflects resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to what matters most.
Early Life and Heritage
Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hoda Kotb came into the world as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants who met while attending law school in Cairo. Her unique heritage shaped her identity from the beginning, with her name “Hoda” being common in Egypt and carrying deep cultural significance. Many people wonder what nationality is Hoda Kotb, and the answer reflects her rich bicultural background as an American of Egyptian descent.
Growing up, Hoda Kotb’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Her family moved frequently, spending time in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, while also living abroad in Egypt and Nigeria during her father’s sabbatical. This global upbringing gave her a perspective that would later inform her compassionate approach to journalism.
Education and Early Aspirations
At Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Hoda Kotb demonstrated the charisma that would later make her a household name. She was elected homecoming queen and selected as the baccalaureate service speaker when she graduated in 1982. These early achievements hinted at the communication skills that would define her career.
She continued her education at Virginia Tech, where she became a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, Beta Nu Chapter. In 1986, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable career. Her connection to Virginia Tech remained strong throughout the years, and she returned as the keynote speaker for the 2008 graduation ceremony.
Building a Career in Journalism
The Early Years
After graduating, Hoda Kotb landed her first on-air job at CBS affiliate WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1986. Like many aspiring journalists, she paid her dues in smaller markets, working as a reporter at ABC affiliate WQAD in Moline, Illinois, from 1988 to 1989. She then moved to CBS affiliate WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, where she served as a weekend anchor and reporter from 1989 to 1991.
Her big break came when she joined WWL-TV, a CBS affiliate in New Orleans, where she worked as an anchor and reporter from 1992 to 1998. During her six years in New Orleans, she developed deep connections to the community that would later make her coverage of Hurricane Katrina particularly poignant.
Joining NBC News
In April 1998, Hoda Kotb joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, marking the beginning of what would become a 26-year relationship with the network. Her fearless reporting took her to war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, the West Bank, and Gaza. She covered the Olympics in Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), London (2012), and Sochi (2014), along with countless human-interest stories that showcased her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Rising to Morning Television Stardom
The Fourth Hour
In September 2007, Hoda Kotb became the first host of Today’s fourth-hour weekday morning broadcast. Beginning in 2008, she co-hosted this segment with Kathie Lee Gifford, creating a chemistry that became legendary among morning television audiences. Their unscripted, fun-loving dynamic attracted millions of viewers who tuned in for their honest conversations, celebrity interviews, and occasional wine tastings.
When Kathie Lee Gifford departed in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager stepped in as Hoda Kotb’s co-host, bringing a new energy to the fourth hour while maintaining the warmth that viewers had come to love.
Becoming Co-Anchor
Following Matt Lauer’s termination in November 2017, NBC made a historic decision. On January 2, 2018, Hoda Kotb was named co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie, creating the first female anchor duo to lead the show. This appointment was celebrated as a milestone for women in broadcasting and reflected the trust that both NBC and viewers placed in her.
Many still ask, “How old is Hoda Kotb?” At the time of her promotion, she was 53 years old, proving that success and opportunity aren’t limited by age. Her appointment demonstrated that authenticity and connection with audiences matter more than fitting traditional molds.
Personal Challenges and Triumph
Battling Breast Cancer
In March 2007, Hoda Kotb underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer. In a move that would define her approach to public life, she allowed Today cameras to document her cancer journey. This vulnerability wasn’t easy, but it helped countless women facing similar battles. She was eventually declared cancer-free and became a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, using her platform to encourage early detection and support for those fighting the disease.
Motherhood and Family
Hoda Kotb’s children hold a special place in her heart and her story. She is the proud mother of two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Many wonder, “How old is Hoda Kotb kids?” Her daughters are still young, which played a significant role in her recent life decisions.
The challenges of motherhood became more complex when her daughter Hope was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Hoda Kotb’s daughter illness requires daily insulin shots and 24/7 blood sugar monitoring. This health challenge became one of the driving factors behind her decision to step back from the demanding schedule of morning television.
Relationship Status
Questions about Hoda Kotb’s personal life frequently arise. People often search “Is Hoda Kotb married?” or “Did Hoda Kotb get married?” The answer is nuanced. She was engaged to Joel Schiffman, and many wondered if Hoda Kotb is engaged still, but the couple ended their engagement in 2022. As of now, Hoda Kotb is not married, though she’s focused on her daughters and her new ventures. Searches for “Who did Hoda Kotb marry?” reflect ongoing public interest, but she has not walked down the aisle.
Career Achievements and Recognition
Awards and Honors
Hoda Kotb’s excellence in broadcasting has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She received a 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host and was part of the Today team that won Daytime Emmys in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Her Dateline NBC report “The Education of Ms. Groves” earned her a 2006 Peabody Award, one of broadcasting’s highest honors.
In 2002, she received an Edward R. Murrow Award, and she’s collected multiple Gracie Awards throughout her career (2003, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2022). In 2022, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and in 2021, she received the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications.
Authorship
Beyond broadcasting, Hoda Kotb has authored several books that reflect her life philosophy and experiences. Her first book, “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee” (2010), became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with “Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives” (2013), “Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made” (2016), “I Really Needed This Today” (2019), and most recently, “Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life” (2024).
The Today Show Departure
Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave the Today Show?
On September 26, 2024, Hoda Kotb made an announcement that surprised many viewers. She revealed her plans to leave the Today show, prompting immediate questions: “Why is Hoda Kotb leaving the Today show?” and “Why did Hoda Kotb leave the Today show?”
The reasons were deeply personal. Having turned 60 in August 2024, she found herself reflecting on her priorities. With two young daughters, including Hope’s ongoing health needs related to Type 1 diabetes, she felt called to spend more time at home. The demanding schedule of morning television requires waking up before dawn, and after decades of this routine, she was ready for a change.
Hoda Kotb Last Day
Hoda Kotb’s last day on the Today show was January 10, 2025, marking the end of an era. The emotional farewell included tributes from colleagues, celebrities, and viewers who had welcomed her into their homes for years. Many wondered, “Did Hoda Kotb retire?” but the answer is more nuanced than a simple retirement.
Succession
Following her departure, Craig Melvin replaced her as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. There was also speculation about whether Sheinelle Jones would replace Hoda Kotb in some capacity, as Jones is a valued member of the Today team, though Melvin received the co-anchor position.
What Is Hoda Kotb Doing Now?
Current Projects and Ventures
For those asking “What is Hoda Kotb doing now?” or “What is Hoda Kotb doing next?” the answer is exciting and multifaceted. She launched a wellness platform and app called “Joy 101,” which aligns with her positive outlook on life and her desire to help others find happiness and fulfillment.
She remains in the NBC family in an occasional contributor role, ensuring her familiar face will still grace television screens. On November 27, 2025, she co-hosted the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, demonstrating that her departure from daily morning television doesn’t mean disappearing from public view.
Additionally, Hoda Kotb’s podcast, “Making Space with Hoda Kotb,” gives her a platform to have deeper, more intimate conversations without the time constraints of morning television. The podcast allows her to explore topics and connect with guests in ways that morning TV segments don’t always permit.
Where Is Hoda Kotb?
People frequently search “Where is Hoda Kotb?” and “Where is Hoda Kotb going?” Since her departure from Today, she’s been balancing her time between her new professional ventures and her personal life. As for “Where does Hoda Kotb live?” she maintains a residence in New York, allowing her to stay connected to the broadcasting world while having more control over her schedule.
Financial Success
Hoda Kotb Salary and Net Worth
Questions about Hoda Kotb’s salary and financial standing are common. During her time as co-anchor of Today, her Hoda Kotb salary was reported to be substantial, reflecting her value to NBC and the show’s success. Estimates of Hoda Kotb’s net worth vary, but most sources suggest she has accumulated significant wealth through her broadcasting career, book deals, and other ventures.
When people ask “How much is Hoda Kotb worth?” the answer typically ranges in the millions, though exact figures are private. Her decades in broadcasting, combined with her bestselling books and high-profile television positions, have certainly provided financial security.
Physical Attributes
Even basic biographical details attract curiosity. People often search “How tall is Hoda Kotb?” She stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches, giving her a commanding presence both on and off camera.
Recent Hoda Kotb News
Staying current with Hoda Kotb news has become easier in the digital age. Her social media presence keeps fans updated on her activities, and her occasional appearances on NBC programming ensure she remains in the public eye. Recent Hoda Kotb news has focused on her adjustment to life after Today, her wellness initiatives, and her continued advocacy work.
Holiday Traditions
Even specific interests like “Hoda Kotb Christmas tree” generate searches, as fans have grown accustomed to seeing glimpses of her personal life, including holiday celebrations with her daughters. These personal touches helped viewers feel connected to her beyond her professional role.
Legacy and Impact
After 26 years at NBC News, Hoda Kotb leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond ratings and awards. She was part of a historic all-female anchor team on national morning news, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her dynamic, affable on-air persona made mornings brighter for millions of Americans who trusted her to deliver news with both professionalism and heart.
What truly sets her apart is her vulnerability and authenticity. In an industry that often prizes polish over genuineness, she chose to share her struggles publicly—her cancer battle, her journey to motherhood through adoption, her daughter’s health challenges, and even her ended engagement. This openness resonated with viewers who saw their own lives reflected in her experiences.
She pioneered a new kind of morning television host, one who didn’t pretend to have all the answers but was willing to face challenges with grace and humor. Her influence on broadcasting extends beyond her own career, as she showed future generations of journalists that strength includes acknowledging vulnerability.
Looking Forward
As Hoda Kotb embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the goodwill of millions of fans, the respect of her peers, and the freedom to define success on her own terms. Whether through her podcast, her wellness platform, occasional television appearances, or simply being present for her daughters during crucial years, she’s writing the next chapter of a life well-lived.
Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to reassess priorities, that success doesn’t always mean climbing higher, and that sometimes the bravest choice is to step back and focus on what matters most. For Hoda Kotb, that means being the mother her daughters need while continuing to inspire others through new platforms and ventures.
The question “What happened to Hoda Kotb?” has a beautiful answer: she chose joy, family, and a different kind of fulfillment. And in doing so, she gave one final gift to the viewers who loved her—permission to make their own bold choices in pursuit of happiness.
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