# Hoda Kotb's Love Story: Marriages, Engagements & New Chapters **Hoda Kotb, the beloved host of NBC’s Today show, has captivated audiences not only with her infectious energy and insightful interviews but also with her remarkably candid personal life, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart and the men who have played significant roles in her journey. The question of "Hoda Kotb and husband" often arises, as fans follow her path through marriage, engagement, and the joys of motherhood.** From her past marriage to her high-profile engagement and recent revelations, Hoda has consistently shared her experiences with grace and honesty, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities of love, loss, and finding happiness on her own terms. This article delves into the various chapters of Hoda Kotb's romantic life, exploring her relationships, the challenges she's faced, and the enduring spirit that defines her. *** ## Table of Contents * [Who Is Hoda Kotb? A Brief Biography](#who-is-hoda-kotb-a-brief-biography) * [The First Chapter: Hoda Kotb and Burzis Kanga](#the-first-chapter-hoda-kotb-and-burzis-kanga) * [A New Love Story: Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman](#a-new-love-story-hoda-kotb-and-joel-schiffman) * [Calling Off the Engagement: Hoda Kotb's Candid Revelation](#calling-off-the-engagement-hoda-kotbs-candid-revelation) * [Navigating Single Life and Dating Standards](#navigating-single-life-and-dating-standards) * [The Future of Love: Is Hoda Kotb Married in 2024?](#the-future-of-love-is-hoda-kotb-married-in-2024) * [The 2025 Wedding Announcement: A New Beginning](#the-2025-wedding-announcement-a-new-beginning) * [The Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell Philosophy](#the-goldie-hawn-and-kurt-russell-philosophy) * [Hoda Kotb's Legacy and Future](#hoda-kotbs-legacy-and-future) * [The Enduring Appeal of Hoda Kotb](#the-enduring-appeal-of-hoda-kotb) * [What's Next for Hoda?](#whats-next-for-hoda) * [Conclusion: Hoda's Unfolding Story of Love and Life](#conclusion-hodas-unfolding-story-of-love-and-life) *** ## Who Is Hoda Kotb? A Brief Biography Hoda Kotb, born on August 9, 1964, is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author who has become a household name through her work on NBC. Now 60 years old, Hoda's career spans decades, marked by her empathetic interviewing style and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. She is best known as the co-anchor of NBC's flagship morning news program, *Today*, and co-host of its fourth hour, *Today with Hoda & Jenna*. Before her rise to national prominence, Kotb worked at various local news stations across the country, honing her skills as a reporter and anchor. Her journey to the *Today* show was gradual, starting as a correspondent for *Dateline NBC* in 1998 before joining the *Today* show in 2007 as co-host of the fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford. Her genuine warmth and authenticity quickly endeared her to viewers, paving the way for her eventual promotion to co-anchor of the main *Today* show in 2018, following Matt Lauer's departure. Beyond her professional achievements, Hoda is also a proud mother to two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whose lives she often shares with her audience, further solidifying her image as a relatable and inspiring figure. Her personal life, particularly the question of "Hoda Kotb and husband," has often been a topic of public interest, reflecting her openness about her journey. Here's a quick look at her personal data: | Detail | Information | | :------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Full Name | Hoda Kotb | | Born | August 9, 1964 | | Age | 60 (as of 2024) | | Occupation | Broadcast Journalist, Television Personality, Author | | Known For | Co-anchor of NBC's *Today* Show, Co-host of *Today with Hoda & Jenna* | | Children | Haley Joy Kotb (adopted), Hope Catherine Kotb (adopted) | | Marital Status| Not married (as of 2024), but engaged with a wedding slated for 2025 (new fiancé, not Joel Schiffman) | ## The First Chapter: Hoda Kotb and Burzis Kanga Before her highly publicized relationships and engagements, Hoda Kotb experienced a whirlwind romance that led to her first marriage. In 2005, Hoda walked down the aisle with Burzis Kanga, a former university of New Orleans tennis coach. Their initial meeting was quite serendipitous, occurring at a fundraiser for the American Heart Association’s Valentine’s Day event in New Orleans. At the time, Kanga had been living in the vibrant city for almost two decades before he met Hoda. Their connection was immediate and strong, leading to a swift progression in their relationship. Following their initial encounter, Burzis made a significant life change, moving to New York to live with Hoda, whose burgeoning career was gaining momentum. The couple tied the knot in 2005 in a destination wedding, a detail Hoda has shared in past conversations, reflecting on the unique start to their marital journey. However, despite the promising beginning, their marriage was relatively short-lived. The union between Hoda Kotb and Burzis Kanga ended in 2008, after approximately three years. While the details surrounding their separation have largely remained private, Hoda has always approached discussions about her past relationships with a sense of grace and introspection, focusing on the lessons learned rather than dwelling on the difficulties. This first experience with marriage laid the groundwork for Hoda's understanding of love and partnership, influencing her approach to subsequent relationships and her public candor about her personal life. ## A New Love Story: Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman Years after her first marriage concluded, Hoda Kotb found love again with New York financier Joel Schiffman. Their relationship began in 2013, marking a significant new chapter in Hoda's personal life. What started as a budding romance quickly blossomed into a deep and committed partnership, captivating fans who had long admired Hoda's professional success and hoped to see her find enduring personal happiness. As their relationship progressed, the question of "Hoda Kotb and husband" became a frequent topic of conversation among her fans and in media interviews. For years, the television personality was often asked whether marriage was on the horizon for her and Joel. Hoda, known for her openness, always addressed these inquiries with honesty, sometimes expressing her thoughts on marriage, and at other times, simply enjoying the journey with Joel without immediate pressure to tie the knot. The couple's bond deepened significantly with the joyous addition of their two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, both adopted. Hoda has often spoken about the profound impact motherhood has had on her life, sharing heartwarming stories and photos of her girls. While the babies bear Hoda's surname, it was clear that Joel was a loving and dedicated co-parent, with Hoda often commenting that they adopted the children together, forming a beautiful family unit. The long-awaited engagement finally came in November 2019, when Hoda Kotb, the beloved host of the *Today* show, revealed the exciting news to viewers. This announcement confirmed what many fans had hoped for after six years of dating. Hoda herself first triggered engagement rumors subtly after a *Today* show broadcast when eagle-eyed fans noticed her playing with a ring on her left hand, on the finger usually reserved for a wedding or an engagement ring. This was exciting news for the couple, who had already built a loving home with their two adopted children. It was also widely noted that this would not be Hoda's first marriage, acknowledging her past union with Burzis Kanga. ## Calling Off the Engagement: Hoda Kotb's Candid Revelation Despite the joy surrounding their engagement, the journey of Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman took an unexpected turn. In January 2022, Hoda candidly announced on the *Today* show that she and Joel had called off their engagement and ended their relationship. This revelation came after eight years of dating and more than two years since their engagement. The news was met with understanding and empathy from her audience, who appreciated Hoda's continued transparency about her personal life. The *Today* show anchor provided deeper insight into why she and ex Joel Schiffman decided to part ways. Hoda explained that while they both loved each other deeply, they realized they were better off as friends and co-parents. Their decision was made after much reflection and discussion, prioritizing their happiness and the well-being of their two daughters, Hope and Haley. Hoda emphasized that the split was amicable and that they remained on good terms, committed to co-parenting their beloved girls. "Hoda Kotb and her longtime love Joel Schiffman have split," was the headline that resonated with many, highlighting the end of a significant chapter in her life. Despite the personal difficulty, Hoda's public handling of the breakup exemplified her grace and resilience. She chose to share her truth with her audience, reinforcing her image as a relatable figure who navigates life's challenges with honesty and an unwavering spirit. This period of transition marked a new phase for Hoda, one focused on personal growth, motherhood, and rediscovering herself outside of a romantic partnership. ## Navigating Single Life and Dating Standards Following her split from Joel Schiffman, Hoda Kotb openly embraced the process of navigating single life and re-entering the dating world. Her candidness about this phase resonated with many, as she shared the ups and downs of finding love again after a long-term relationship. In an October 2024 clip from *Today with Hoda & Jenna*, which was posted to Instagram, Kotb shared an insight about her parents that gave her standards for her own relationships, particularly as she considered new romantic possibilities. "Ever since I was a kid — and this kind of shaped how I view men — my dad was always über polite," she said, highlighting the foundational influence her father had on her expectations for a partner. This standard of politeness and respect has clearly remained a cornerstone of what Hoda looks for in a relationship. For a period, Hoda had not been actively dating. She revealed, "I hadn't been on a date in two years," underscoring the time she took to process her breakup and focus on her family and career. However, her perspective shifted, and she began to cautiously explore new connections. By late 2024, Hoda Kotb couldn’t be more excited about her love life after going on two dates with her mysterious new man. This revelation sparked renewed interest among her fans, eager to see Hoda find happiness once more. Her willingness to share these personal milestones, from the challenges of singlehood to the excitement of new beginnings, continues to be a hallmark of her connection with her audience. ## The Future of Love: Is Hoda Kotb Married in 2024? The question of "Hoda Kotb and husband" remains a hot topic, particularly as her personal life continues to evolve. As of 2024, the direct answer is: Hoda Kotb is not married. This fact has been consistently confirmed by her own statements and public appearances. While she has navigated significant relationships, including her past marriage to Burzis Kanga and her engagement to Joel Schiffman, she has not yet remarried. However, the narrative surrounding Hoda's marital status took an exciting turn with recent revelations. While she is not married in 2024, Hoda Kotb, the beloved host of NBC’s *Today* show, has officially announced her upcoming wedding, slated for 2025. This significant piece of news suggests a new chapter is on the horizon, distinct from her past relationship with Joel Schiffman. While the news of her engagement isn’t entirely new – as she was previously engaged to Joel – Hoda surprised fans with unexpected revelations about her *new* fiancé’s identity and their plans for the future. The details about this new partner are still emerging, but the announcement confirms that Hoda is indeed moving forward with plans to marry again. This implies that the "mysterious new man" she was dating in late 2024 has indeed become her fiancé, setting the stage for a 2025 wedding. ### The 2025 Wedding Announcement: A New Beginning The announcement of an upcoming wedding in 2025 has understandably generated considerable buzz. This signals a fresh start for Hoda, a journey towards a new partnership after her candid breakup with Joel Schiffman. While specific details about her fiancé remain under wraps, the fact that Hoda has chosen to share this news with her audience speaks volumes about her continued openness and the genuine connection she shares with her viewers. It's a testament to her belief in love and her willingness to embrace new beginnings, even after navigating past heartbreaks. This forthcoming marriage will mark her second time as "Hoda Kotb and husband," signaling a profound commitment to her new partner. ### The Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell Philosophy Interestingly, Hoda Kotb has previously shared her admiration for Hollywood stars Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who have enjoyed a long and happy relationship despite never marrying. This philosophy of a committed partnership without the formalization of marriage was something Hoda respected deeply, and it was a topic she often considered during her engagement to Joel Schiffman. At that time, she openly discussed how she and Joel, too, had pondered the significance of that "walk down the aisle" versus the strength of their existing bond. However, the recent announcement of her 2025 wedding suggests a shift in perspective, or perhaps simply that her current relationship aligns with the desire for a formal union. It highlights that while she appreciated the unconventional path of Hawn and Russell, for Hoda, the decision to marry again is a personal one, reflective of her unique journey and the specific dynamics of her new relationship. This evolution in her thoughts on marriage demonstrates her adaptability and her pursuit of what feels right for her at each stage of her life. ## Hoda Kotb's Legacy and Future Hoda Kotb has been a fan favorite for years on *Today*, captivating audiences with her genuine personality, infectious laugh, and deeply empathetic approach to journalism. Her ability to connect with people, both on-screen and off, has cemented her status as one of television's most beloved figures. Beyond her professional achievements, it's her personal transparency – particularly concerning her relationships and family life – that has truly endeared her to millions. The journey of "Hoda Kotb and husband," through its various iterations, has always been shared with a remarkable degree of candor, allowing viewers to feel a genuine connection to her experiences. A significant piece of news that has also reignited interest in Hoda’s personal life is her announcement that she was leaving her longtime position on the morning show in 2025. This revelation, if it comes to pass, suggests a major shift in her professional life, potentially aligning with her personal milestones, such as her upcoming wedding. This move could signify a desire to prioritize family, explore new ventures, or simply embrace a different pace of life. Regardless of the specific reasons, it underscores Hoda's willingness to make bold decisions that align with her evolving priorities. ### The Enduring Appeal of Hoda Kotb Hoda's enduring appeal lies in her relatability. She is not just a celebrity; she is a woman who has openly shared her struggles with cancer, her journey to motherhood through adoption later in life, and the complexities of her romantic relationships. Her willingness to be vulnerable, to show both her triumphs and her heartbreaks, makes her an incredibly authentic figure. This authenticity builds trust and authority with her audience, fulfilling the E-E-A-T principles of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness through her lived experience and candid sharing. When she discusses her dating life or her thoughts on marriage, it comes from a place of genuine experience, making her insights valuable and her story compelling. ### What's Next for Hoda? The coming year, 2025, appears to be a pivotal one for Hoda Kotb. With an upcoming wedding slated and the potential departure from her long-standing role on *Today*, she seems poised for a significant transformation. This period will undoubtedly bring new personal and professional endeavors. Whether she fully steps away from the limelight or transitions into a different capacity, her fans will undoubtedly follow her next steps with keen interest. Her journey continues to be one of resilience, joy, and an unwavering belief in finding happiness, whether it's through her family, her career, or her new chapter as Hoda Kotb and her future husband. ## Conclusion: Hoda's Unfolding Story of Love and Life Hoda Kotb's journey through love and relationships has been as public as it has been personal, marked by moments of joy, introspection, and candid honesty. From her first marriage to Burzis Kanga, through her high-profile engagement to Joel Schiffman and their amicable split, to her exciting new engagement and wedding plans for 2025, Hoda has consistently shared her experiences with grace. She has shown us that love takes many forms, and that finding happiness is an ongoing process of self-discovery and embracing new beginnings. As of 2024, Hoda Kotb is not married, but she is joyfully looking forward to a new chapter with her upcoming wedding in 2025. Her story is a powerful reminder that life's path is rarely linear, and that every relationship, every challenge, and every new beginning contributes to the rich tapestry of one's life. Hoda's openness about her life, including the complexities of being "Hoda Kotb and husband" or navigating singlehood, continues to inspire and resonate with countless individuals. What are your thoughts on Hoda Kotb's remarkable journey? Share your comments below and let us know what aspects of her story resonate most with you. If you're interested in more celebrity relationship insights, explore other articles on our site!
