Hoda Kotb Once Feared Motherhood Wasn’t for Her – Now Her Two Gorgeous Daughters Are Stealing Hearts

Hoda Kotb, the well-known TV personality, recently decided to focus on her children, fulfilling a long-time dream of hers. Curious about what her kids look like? Read on to find out!

Broadcast journalist Hoda Kotb once believed it was “too late” for her to become a mother, but now she happily shares her life with two beautiful daughters. She even left a TV show to prioritize spending time with them.

Hoda Kotb, a cherished member of the NBC News team for almost 30 years, recently announced her departure from the “Today” show early next year. She began her career at “Dateline,” then went on to co-host the fourth hour of “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford, and more recently with Jenna Bush Hager.

For the past five years, Hoda Kotb has co-anchored the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie, creating cherished moments that have connected with audiences across the country. Her decision to leave the show followed a period of reflection after celebrating her 60th birthday in August 2024.

Hoda Kotb tearfully explained how her 60th birthday prompted a change in her outlook. She shared, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new,” reflecting on how the overwhelming love she received during her birthday made her feel like she was at the “top of the wave.” It felt like the ideal moment for her to make a meaningful change in her life.

A key reason behind Hoda Kotb’s decision to step away is her desire to spend more time with her two young daughters. She reflected, “Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie.” Hoda highlighted the limited nature of time and the importance of devoting more of it to her children.

Through tears, Hoda Kotb expressed the bittersweet emotions surrounding her decision, admitting, “It’s kind of a big deal for me. I’ve been practicing so I wouldn’t cry, but anyway, I did.” While she will be stepping away from her co-anchoring role, Hoda reassured fans that she will continue to be part of the NBC family in a yet-to-be-announced role.

Hoda Kotb’s departure from the show allows her to focus on her ongoing journey as a mother, a topic she has openly discussed. In a June 2023 interview, she candidly shared her initial fears about motherhood.

Hoda Kotb reflected on her past feelings about motherhood, stating, “I remembered never saying out loud that I wanted kids, never because it was too late. So, for girls who think it’s too late, you don’t say it because if you say it, you’re expressing something that you’re never going to get.” She offered this advice to those who might share similar fears.

In an editorial for Today in April 2018, Hoda Kotb reflected on how many of her blessings appeared later in life. She recalled feeling anxious at 30 about not being married or having children. When she eventually did marry, the relationship did not turn out as she had hoped.

Hoda Kotb became a first-time mother at 52 and recalled a conversation that shifted her perspective. She had expressed to a friend, “Can you believe I’m 52 and I have a baby?” The friend’s response was, “That baby’s right on time.”

This response changed Hoda Kotb’s outlook, helping her to believe that everything occurs at the right moment. She recognized that while effort is important, things unfold when they are meant to. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Things happen right on time and when you’re ready — or at least when the universe is ready.”

Hoda Kotb expressed amazement at the new emotions she experienced at 53, remarking that she couldn’t believe such joy was possible at this stage of her life. She now cherishes motherhood in a way she feels she might not have if it had come earlier.

Hoda Kotb shared that creating her life around her children has brought her more joy than she ever imagined. She confessed, “Family to me is everything,” noting that having a family of her own was something she never thought possible. Hoda admitted that she might have been too afraid to pursue motherhood alone, acknowledging, albeit reluctantly, that this was the truth.

Hoda Kotb is now a single mom following the end of her engagement to Joel Schiffman in January 2022. The couple had been together for six years and got engaged in November 2019. Hoda explained that they realized they were better off as friends and co-parents than as an engaged couple.

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman share two daughters, Haley and Hope. Hoda announced the adoption of her eldest daughter, Haley, live on the “Today” show in February 2017, calling her the love of her life. She later shared a photo of herself and Haley on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it, “My girl,” and noted that Haley is a Valentine’s baby.

The overjoyed new parent also shared another picture on the platform, showing herself holding her infant daughter’s tiny fingers. The post included a message that hinted at her long-standing desire to have a child.

Hoda Kotb eagerly awaited her daughter’s first words but was surprised when Haley’s first utterance was “Bob.” In a March 2018 interview, she laughed, saying, “We don’t know who Bob is.” Hoda speculated that it might be a combination of “bottle” and something else.

At two years old, Haley became a big sister when Hoda Kotb adopted another daughter, Hope, in 2019. Hoda shared the proud moment of introducing Haley to her little sister on the “Today” show.

Hoda Kotb excitedly shared with her colleagues that Haley was “literally marching around saying, ‘I’m a big sister!'” She also revealed the significance of the newborn’s second name, Kathryn, explaining that she named her after her best friend.

In 2023, Hope, then three years old, experienced a health scare that required her to spend time in the ICU and over a week in the hospital. While Hoda Kotb has not shared specific details about the diagnosis, she described the experience as “really scary.”

After returning home, Hoda Kotb and her family began the longer process of managing Hope’s health. Although Hoda chose not to reveal specifics about her daughter’s diagnosis, she shared that they are monitoring Hope around the clock to ensure her well-being.

Hoda Kotb has shared that she openly discusses adoption with her daughters, even though they may not fully understand its meaning yet. She explains it to them in simple terms, saying, “You didn’t come from Mommy’s tummy; you came from my heart.”

When asked if any baby came from her tummy, Hoda Kotb honestly responds, “No, it didn’t,” and her daughters recognize that they are adopted. Although deeper discussions about adoption are yet to come, the girls currently understand and embrace their story. Hoda emphasizes the positivity surrounding adoption, even mentioning that their cousin Ella was adopted, telling them, “All the cool kids were adopted.”

Hoda Kotb has praised her older daughter, Haley, for always thinking of her baby sister, describing her as “protective.” This strong bond between the sisters has been a source of comfort for Hoda as a mother of two.

Hoda Kotb shared that her daughters have a strong bond, stating, “They’re in love.” She described how the two sisters enjoy spending time together, highlighting the close connection they share.

The family of three currently lives in the suburbs after moving from Hoda Kotb’s New York City apartment in March. In an interview, she expressed, “I want my kids to feel grass on their feet, play in the yard, ride bikes down the street, and run up and down the stairs,” reflecting her desire for a more spacious and playful environment for her children.

Hoda Kotb’s journey into motherhood has been marked by joy, challenges, and profound love for her two daughters. Her stories showcase the beauty of their bond and the strength she derives from their connection each day.