Is Hoda Kotb Leaving Today Show? Know About Her Journey in Today Show
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jul 28, 2023
Who is Hoda Kotb?
Hoda Kotb is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author. Born on August 9, 1964, she is widely recognized as a prominent figure in the media industry. Currently, she serves as one of the main co-anchors of the NBC News morning show, Today, and co-hosts the show's entertainment-focused fourth hour. Hoda has been a significant presence on the Today Show, providing news and entertainment to viewers across the nation.
Before her role on Today, Hoda Kotb worked as a correspondent for the television news magazine program, Dateline NBC. Throughout her career, she has garnered praise for her insightful reporting and engaging on-air presence. Hoda Kotb's Egyptian heritage is also notable, and her full name in Egyptian Arabic is Hudā Quṭb. She has become a beloved personality in American television, capturing the hearts of viewers with her warm and genuine demeanor.
Apart from her broadcast journalism career, Hoda is also an accomplished author, having written books that resonate with readers on various topics. Her accomplishments and contributions to the media industry have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a respected and admired journalist and television personality.
Is Hoda Kotb Leaving Today Show?
No, Hoda Kotb is not leaving Today Show but her unexpected leaving during May 2023 got attention from her fans. In May 2023, during the Today Show's segment in honor of National Nurses Week, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker temporarily stepped away from the studio to visit two local hospitals in New York City and show their appreciation for healthcare professionals. Sheinelle Jones joined Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin on the desk for the rest of the show, and Dylan Dreyer took over the weather reporting.
Hoda and Al's absence from the studio caused some doubt among fans, who wondered if Hoda Kotb might be leaving the Today Show. However, as of July 2023, Hoda Kotb is still a part of the show, and the on-air trip they took to celebrate nurses was just a special segment, part of their ongoing initiative titled "TODAY's Heroes." During the segment, Hoda and Al visited the hospitals and shared heartwarming stories of nurses who have shown incredible dedication in their professions.
Hoda, who had dealt with her own battle with breast cancer and mastectomy, found the experience particularly emotional as she encountered stories of resilience from healthcare workers. Despite the temporary absence of Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from the studio, they continue to be a familiar source of stability and joy for viewers of the Today Show each morning. Fans can rest assured that Hoda Kotb is not leaving the show, and she and Al are still actively involved in bringing uplifting and inspiring stories to their audience.
Hoda Kotb Career in Today Show
Hoda Kotb's career with the Today Show has been filled with significant achievements and milestones. She officially joined NBC News in April 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and all NBC News platforms, showcasing her journalistic talents and becoming a valuable member of the network. In September 2007, Hoda made history as the first host of Today's fourth-hour weekday morning broadcast at 10:00 a.m.
She initially hosted the show solo, but in April 2008, she was joined by Kathie Lee Gifford as a co-host. Their dynamic chemistry and entertaining banter made the fourth hour of Today a hit with viewers. After years of successful collaboration with Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb continued her journey on the show. In April 2019, following Gifford's departure, Hoda welcomed Jenna Bush Hager as her new co-host, continuing to bring joy and insightful discussions to the show's audience.
Hoda Kotb's talent and popularity expanded beyond the television screen. On February 23, 2015, she began hosting a live, one-hour show twice a week on Sirius XM's Today channel. The show revolved around casual, water cooler topics, allowing Hoda to connect with listeners in a more laid-back setting.
In a significant moment for her career, on January 2, 2018, Hoda Kotb was named co-anchor of the Today Show alongside Savannah Guthrie. This appointment came after anchor Matt Lauer was terminated by NBC News following accusations of sexual misconduct. Prior to the official announcement, Hoda and Savannah had been interim co-anchors since Lauer's termination on November 29, 2017. Their collaboration made history, as they became the first female anchor duo to lead the iconic morning show.
Throughout her tenure on the Today Show, Hoda Kotb has proven herself to be a versatile and cherished presence on television, demonstrating her journalistic expertise, warm personality, and unwavering dedication to her viewers. Her career with Today continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
Hoda Kotb Early Life
Hoda Kotb was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian Muslim parents. She grew up in various places, including Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. During her childhood, her family lived in New Orleans for a significant period during the 1990s, and they also spent time living in Egypt and Nigeria. Hoda has a brother named Adel and a sister named Hala.
Her mother, Sameha ("Sami"), worked at the Library of Congress, and her father, Abdel Kader Kotb, was a fossil energy specialist and was recognized in the Who's Who of Technology. Tragically, her father passed away at the age of 51 in 1986. In interviews and her autobiography, Hoda hinted at her Muslim roots, recalling annual summer vacations in Egypt and her veiled cousins. She expressed gratitude that her parents' migration to the United States spared her from certain cultural expectations and practices.
She attended Fort Hunt High School and graduated in 1982, where she was elected homecoming queen and chosen to speak at her graduating class's baccalaureate service. Later, Hoda pursued her college education at Virginia Tech, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta women's sorority, Beta Nu Chapter. In 1986, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism.
Hoda Kotb remains connected to her alma mater, and in 2008, she served as the keynote speaker at Virginia Tech's graduation ceremony. She even played Metallica's "Enter Sandman" over her iPod during her speech. In recognition of her contributions, she was elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2010.
Hoda Kotb Marital Life
Hoda Kotb's love life has seen some significant milestones and changes over the years. In 2005, she married Burzis Kanga, who was a former tennis coach at the University of New Orleans. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2008. In 2013, Hoda Kotb began a relationship with Joel Schiffman, a New York financier. The couple's love and commitment to each other grew, and on November 25, 2019, Hoda happily announced live on the Today Show that she was engaged to Joel Schiffman.
Alongside her romantic journey, Hoda Kotb embarked on a beautiful journey of motherhood. On February 21, 2017, she joyfully announced on the Today Show that she had adopted a baby girl, whom she named Haley Joy Kotb. Hoda's heart expanded further with love when, on April 16, 2019, she once again announced on the show, via phone, that she had adopted a second baby girl, named Hope Catherine Kotb.
Despite the engagement announcement in 2019, the couple faced changes in their relationship. On January 31, 2022, Hoda Kotb revealed during the fourth hour of Today (Hoda & Jenna) that she and Joel Schiffman had decided to end their engagement. Despite this, they expressed their commitment to co-parenting as friends, putting their focus on being supportive parents to their two beloved daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
Throughout her journey, both in her personal life and as a celebrated journalist, Hoda Kotb has shown resilience, strength, and boundless love for her family. Her two adorable daughters continue to bring immense joy to her life, and she remains a cherished figure in the hearts of her fans worldwide.
Is Hoda Kotb Leaving Today Show - FAQs
No, Hoda Kotb is not leaving Today Show.
Hoda Kotb's full name is Hoda Kotb and she was born on August 9, 1964.
Hoda Kotb co-hosts the fourth hour of the Today Show, initially with Kathie Lee Gifford and later with Jenna Bush Hager. She also serves as the main co-anchor of the NBC News morning show, Today, alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Yes, Hoda Kotb has received several accolades for her contributions to journalism. She has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and has been recognized for her excellence in broadcasting and reporting.
Yes, Hoda Kotb has two adopted daughters. She adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, in February 2017, and her second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb, in April 2019.