Hoda Kotb, the beloved co-anchor of NBC's TODAY show, has navigated her public life with grace, often sharing glimpses into her personal world, including her romantic journey. Her relationships, marked by significant milestones and heartfelt connections, have unfolded over decades, revealing a woman who embraces love, family, and resilience. From her early marriage to her most recent high-profile engagement and subsequent co-parenting, Kotb's romantic history is a testament to her enduring spirit.
Kotb's first publicly known marriage was to Burzis Kanga, a former University of New Orleans tennis coach. The couple reportedly met at a Valentine's Day fundraiser for the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Their relationship culminated in marriage in 2005, with a wedding held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Their union, however, was relatively short-lived, as they finalized their divorce in 2008. This period coincided with Kotb's battle with breast cancer, a challenging time that undoubtedly impacted her personal life.
Following her divorce from Kanga, Hoda Kotb entered another relationship with lawyer Jay Blumenkopf. Their romance lasted for approximately one year, with reports indicating their split occurred in December 2012. While less is publicly known about the specifics of this relationship, it marked a chapter in Kotb's post-divorce dating life, as she continued to focus on her thriving career.
A pivotal chapter in Hoda Kotb's romantic history began in 2013 when she met Joel Schiffman, a financier. Their introduction was somewhat unconventional; Kotb, having spotted him at an event, asked a friend to discreetly inquire about his relationship status. This led to an email exchange and their first date. The couple kept their romance largely private in its early stages, though Kotb occasionally hinted at her happiness.
Kotb and Schiffman went public with their relationship in 2015, with Kotb expressing her joy and admitting that Schiffman gave her "butterflies again at 50." Their relationship deepened, and in 2016, they took a significant step by moving in together. Kotb openly discussed the novelty of cohabitation in her 50s, embracing the new phase of their partnership.
Their family expanded through adoption, a dream Kotb had long cherished. In February 2017, they welcomed their first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, into their lives. Two years later, in April 2019, they adopted their second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb, solidifying their family unit. These adoptions were deeply personal and joyful milestones for the couple.
In November 2019, Joel Schiffman proposed to Hoda Kotb during a romantic beachside dinner. Kotb announced their engagement live on the TODAY show, sharing her excitement with her viewers. The couple had plans for a wedding, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to repeated postponements, adding an unforeseen challenge to their journey towards marriage.
After eight years together and over two years of engagement, Hoda Kotb announced in January 2022 that she and Joel Schiffman had ended their engagement and relationship. She shared the news with her co-host Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Hoda & Jenna, explaining, > "Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and really meaningful conversations over the holidays, and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple." Despite the romantic split, they committed to co-parenting their daughters, Haley and Hope, emphasizing their continued bond as friends and devoted parents.
Since her separation from Joel Schiffman, Hoda Kotb has been open about her single status and her cautious approach to re-entering the dating scene. She has occasionally shared anecdotes about going on a few dates, but she has not pursued anything serious. Kotb has expressed that she is focused on her daughters and navigating a new phase of life, including a recent move. She maintains a philosophy that love will happen when it's meant to, without putting a timeline on finding a new partner. Her friends and colleagues, including Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager, have playfully offered to vet potential suitors, highlighting the supportive environment surrounding her personal life. Kotb continues to prioritize her family and career, embracing her current journey with her characteristic optimism and candor.