Hoda Kotb Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb is a highly acclaimed American broadcast journalist, television personality, and bestselling author, widely recognized for her engaging presence on NBC’s “Today” show. She served as the main co-anchor of the morning program and co-hosted its popular fourth hour, “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” for many years. Known for her warmth, sincerity, and ability to connect with audiences, Kotb has built a distinguished career marked by insightful reporting and compelling storytelling. Beyond her television roles, she is also a breast cancer survivor and a devoted mother to two adopted daughters, having transitioned from her main anchoring duties in early 2025 to dedicate more time to her family and pursue new ventures in the wellness space.

Hoda Kotb Overview

Early Life and Education of Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb was born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian immigrant parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha “Sami” Kotb. Her father was a fossil energy specialist, and her mother worked at the Library of Congress. Kotb is the middle child, with an older brother named Adel and a sister named Hala. Growing up, she was primarily raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, though her family also lived in Egypt for a year and in Nigeria. Despite their Egyptian roots, her parents instilled an “American” upbringing, desiring their children to be “red, white and blue,” while still celebrating their unique Egyptian customs and heritage.

Kotb attended Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, graduating in 1982. During her high school years, she was elected homecoming queen and chosen to speak at her graduating class’s baccalaureate service. She pursued higher education at Virginia Tech, where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta women’s sorority. In 1986, Hoda Kotb earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism, laying the foundation for her future career. Her college experiences also included participation in the student radio station, WUVT. She returned to her alma mater in 2008 as a keynote speaker for graduation, famously playing Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” during her speech.

Hoda Kotb’s Career

Hoda Kotb’s illustrious career in broadcast journalism began immediately after her college graduation in 1986. Her first on-air job was at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, after a challenging search for an opportunity that saw her rejected by numerous stations. She subsequently worked as a reporter at WQAD in Moline, Illinois, from 1988 to 1989, and then as a weekend anchor and reporter for WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, from 1989 to 1991. Her final local news position before her major network break was with WWL-TV, a CBS affiliate in New Orleans, where she served as an anchor and reporter from 1992 to 1998.

In April 1998, Kotb made the significant move to NBC News, joining as a correspondent for “Dateline NBC” and other NBC News platforms. During her time at “Dateline,” she covered a wide array of significant domestic and international events, including the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her compelling journalistic work earned her a strong reputation within the industry.

A pivotal point in Hoda Kotb’s career came in September 2007 when she became the inaugural co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today” show. In April 2008, Kathie Lee Gifford joined her as co-host, forming a highly popular and beloved duo known for their lively and engaging segments. After Gifford’s departure in April 2019, Jenna Bush Hager became Kotb’s new co-host for the “Today with Hoda & Jenna” segment. Kotb’s infectious warmth and authentic personality resonated deeply with audiences, propelling her to greater fame.

In January 2018, Hoda Kotb ascended to the role of main co-anchor of the higher-profile 7 and 8 a.m. hours of the “Today” show, co-anchoring alongside Savannah Guthrie. This appointment marked a historic moment, as it was the first time two female hosts were paired together in “Today’s” history. During her tenure, “Today” received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program.

Beyond her television commitments, Kotb diversified her career. From 2015 to 2022, she hosted a live, one-hour show twice a week on Sirius XM’s “Today” channel. She is also a prolific author, having penned six bestselling books, including her 2010 autobiography, “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.” Her books, which often focus on inspirational stories and personal memoirs, have significantly contributed to her public image as more than just a TV personality.

In September 2024, Hoda Kotb announced her decision to step away from her main hosting duties on the “Today” show in early 2025, to spend more time with her daughters and explore new professional avenues. While she concluded her co-anchor role on January 10, 2025, she stated her intention to remain part of the NBC family in a reduced capacity. She revealed plans to launch a wellness app and company called “Joy 101,” which will include retreats and a podcast, aiming to help people feel transformed and better. Additionally, she announced a new book titled “Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life,” set for publication on September 23, 2025.

Hoda Kotb Personal Life & Family

Hoda Kotb was born to Egyptian immigrant parents and grew up with a strong sense of her heritage, alongside her brother, Adel, and sister, Hala. Her parents encouraged an American upbringing while retaining Egyptian cultural aspects, and she has spoken about living in Egypt and Nigeria during her childhood.

Kotb’s personal life has seen significant milestones. She was married once to Burzis Kanga, a former tennis coach for the University of New Orleans, in 2005. Their marriage concluded in divorce two years later, in 2008.

In 2013, Kotb began a highly public relationship with New York financier Joel Schiffman, whom she met at a Wall Street event. They kept their relationship private for a couple of years before going public in 2015. In November 2019, Schiffman proposed to Kotb during a romantic beachside dinner, though their wedding plans were later impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2022, Kotb announced that she and Schiffman had decided to end their engagement, stating they were “better as friends and parents than as an engaged couple.” Despite their separation, they maintain an amicable relationship and continue to co-parent their children as friends.

A significant aspect of Hoda Kotb’s personal life is her journey to motherhood through adoption. After undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2007, which left her unable to conceive, she pursued adoption to fulfill her desire to have children. In February 2017, Kotb adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, whom she introduced to “Today” fans. She was 53 years old at the time of Haley’s adoption. Haley’s name was inspired by Halley’s Comet, symbolizing a rare and beautiful occurrence, and her middle name, Joy, reflects the emotion she brought into Kotb’s life.

In April 2019, Kotb adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine. She was 55 when she adopted Hope, a decision driven by her desire for Haley to have a sibling. Hope’s name signifies the hope many women have for their own journeys to motherhood. Kotb often shares sweet moments with her daughters on social media and has spoken about the strong bond between Haley and Hope. She emphasizes that she tells them they “came from my heart.” In 2023, Hope was hospitalized in intensive care for an undisclosed health issue but has since recovered. More recently, in 2025, it was revealed that Hope is living with Type 1 diabetes.

Hoda Kotb has openly discussed the joys and unique aspects of being an “older mom,” expressing no shame and cherishing the patience and perspective that come with it. Her decision to step back from her main “Today” anchoring duties in early 2025 was largely driven by a desire to spend more time with her daughters, highlighting her dedication to her family.

In early 2024, Kotb ventured back into dating, going on her first date in two years since her split from Joel Schiffman. She has reflected on a shift in her dating mindset, now focusing on her own identity and desires rather than solely on what a potential partner might think. She also briefly had a romance with a “lovely human being” whom she ended after three dates, seeking more simplicity in her relationships.

Awards and Achievements of Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout her distinguished career in broadcast journalism:

• Edward R. Murrow Award: Awarded in 2002 for her reporting.
• Gracie Awards: Received in 2003, 2008, 2015, and 2016. Specifically, she earned a Gracie Award in 2015 for Outstanding Host in News/Non-fiction and in 2016 and 2018 for Outstanding Host in Entertainment/Information for “The Hoda Show on SiriusXM.” She also received a Gracie Award for On-Air News Talent in 2022.
• Headliner Awards: Awarded in 2004 for “Dateline NBC’s ‘Saving Dane – Adoptees Rage'” and in 2007 for “The Education of Ms. Groves.”
• Peabody Award: Received in 2006 as part of the “Dateline” team for “The Education of Ms. Groves,” a documentary on a first-year urban middle school teacher.
• Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award: Awarded in 2008 for “The Education of Ms. Groves.”
• Daytime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Morning Program): As part of the “Today” morning host lineup, Kotb contributed to wins in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2020.
• Daytime Emmy Award (Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host): Awarded in 2019 with Kathie Lee Gifford for their work on “Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda.”
• Webby Award: Received in 2015 for her “Truly Brave” music video, which raised awareness for pediatric cancer.
• Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People: Included in this prestigious list in 2018.
• Matrix Award: Honored by New York Women in Communications in October 2021 for her excellence in broadcast journalism.
• Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2022.
• New York Times Bestselling Author: Author of multiple bestselling books, including “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee” (2010) and “Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives” (2013).

Hoda Kotb Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Hoda Kotb’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $30 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through her extensive and successful career in broadcast journalism, authorship, and other media ventures.

Her primary source of income for many years was her lucrative contract with NBC. When she initially became co-anchor of the “Today” show in 2018, it was reported that her annual salary was around $7 million, a figure that likely increased during her tenure. Other reports suggest her “Today” show salary was between $8 million and $10 million per year. While a significant sum, it was noted to be less than what some male predecessors earned, a disparity Kotb has acknowledged without publicly complaining, focusing instead on her happiness in the role.

Beyond her television salary, Kotb has multiple other income streams. She is a New York Times bestselling author, having penned six books, including memoirs and children’s books. These book deals, advances, and royalties contribute significantly to her net worth. From 2015 to 2022, she also hosted “The Hoda Show” on SiriusXM, which added to her earnings. Additionally, Kotb’s real estate portfolio includes an Upper Manhattan apartment for workweek commutes and a waterfront home in Long Island where she lives with her family, further contributing to her overall wealth.

With her departure from her main “Today” hosting duties in early 2025, Kotb is expected to continue her work with NBC in a different capacity and pursue new lucrative ventures. She is launching a wellness app and company called “Joy 101,” which will involve retreats and a podcast, and may also engage in brand endorsements and speaking engagements, potentially earning her even more money.

Legacy and Influence

Hoda Kotb has carved out a significant legacy in broadcast journalism, known for her authentic and empathetic approach. Her infectious warmth and ability to connect with audiences have made her a beloved figure in morning television, transforming the “Today” show’s fourth hour into “appointment television” for many. Her rise to co-anchor of the main “Today” show in 2018, alongside Savannah Guthrie, marked a historic moment as the first time two women held the top anchoring positions on the program, breaking barriers and influencing perceptions of female leadership in news.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kotb’s personal journey has had a profound impact. As a breast cancer survivor, she has become a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing her story publicly and allowing “Today” cameras to follow her battle, inspiring countless individuals. Her openness about her cancer diagnosis and subsequent inability to conceive naturally paved the way for her candid discussions about adoption. Her journey to motherhood through the adoption of Haley Joy and Hope Catherine has resonated deeply with many, offering hope and normalizing non-traditional family structures.

Kotb’s work as a bestselling author, with books like “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee” and inspirational children’s books, has further extended her influence, providing comfort, wisdom, and connection to readers. Her commitment to uplifting others and fostering a sense of community is evident in her announced wellness venture, “Joy 101,” which aims to help people find transformation and well-being.

Her public image is consistently positive, often associated with resilience, gratitude, and a genuine desire to make a difference. She has been recognized in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, solidifying her standing as a media icon. Hoda Kotb’s legacy is one of journalistic integrity, personal courage, and a powerful ability to inspire joy and hope.

Interesting Facts about Hoda Kotb

• Hoda Kotb’s first on-air job after college was in Greenville, Mississippi, a place she stumbled upon after getting lost on her way home from numerous unsuccessful job interviews in other states.
• Her first name, “Hoda,” means “guidance” in Arabic and is a common name in Egypt, equivalent to “Jane” in the U.S. Her surname, “Kotb” (Qutb), means “pole.”
• For a period in her career, she briefly spelled her surname “Kotbe” to assist with pronunciation before reverting to “Kotb.”
• During her 2008 commencement speech at Virginia Tech, she played Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” for the graduates.
• Kotb initially envisioned a career as a teacher, believing it was the closest she could get to having children, before realizing her true calling was in journalism.
• She made an appearance on the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” to support the Children’s Miracle Society.
• She adopted her dog from PAWS Chicago, a rescue organization.
• Kotb has volunteered at the Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem, sponsored by Food Bank for New York.
• Her daughter Haley Joy’s name was inspired by Halley’s Comet, signifying a beautiful event that happens “once in a blue moon.”
• Despite leaving her main anchoring role, Kotb plans to “remain a part of the NBC family” and “be around.”

Controversies

Hoda Kotb’s career has been remarkably free of significant public controversies. She has maintained a generally positive public image throughout her extensive time in broadcast journalism. One notable discussion, however, revolved around the salary disparity at NBC. When she took over as co-anchor of the “Today” show in 2018, reports indicated her salary was considerably lower than that of her predecessor, Matt Lauer, who was dismissed amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. Kotb addressed this, stating that she was content with her salary because she valued job satisfaction over monetary compensation, preferring to “feel good throughout” her work rather than just on payday. This stance, while highlighting a broader industry issue, did not lead to personal controversy for Kotb herself.

Social Media Presence

Hoda Kotb maintains an active and engaging presence across various social media platforms, connecting with her audience beyond her television appearances.

• Instagram: She is active on Instagram under the handle @HodaKotb. Her posts frequently feature heartwarming family moments with her daughters, behind-the-scenes glimpses from her work, and inspirational messages. (Follower count not specified in sources, avoiding unverified facts).
• Twitter (now X): Kotb is also present on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @HodaKotb. She uses this platform to share news, interact with fans, and offer personal insights. (Follower count not specified in sources, avoiding unverified facts).
• YouTube: While she is prominently featured on the official “Today” show and NBC News YouTube channels, dedicated personal YouTube follower counts are not specified in the provided sources.

Her social media channels reflect her warm and authentic public persona, allowing fans to stay connected with her professional endeavors and personal life.

Final Words about Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb’s career has been a testament to perseverance, talent, and an unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. Her journey from local news stations to becoming a beloved national figure on NBC’s “Today” show is an inspiring narrative of dedication and resilience. Having concluded her main anchoring duties on “Today” in early 2025, Kotb has embarked on a new chapter, driven by a desire to prioritize her daughters, Haley and Hope, and to delve into new passions.

Her legacy is firmly established not only through her numerous awards and bestselling books but also through her profound impact as a breast cancer survivor and an adoptive mother. Her openness about these personal journeys has resonated deeply, offering hope and demonstrating strength to millions. Kotb is now channeling her energy into her wellness app and company, “Joy 101,” and continuing her work as an author, with a new book, “Jump and Find Joy,” set for release in late 2025. These ventures signal a continued commitment to uplifting and inspiring her audience in new and meaningful ways.

As Hoda Kotb transitions into this “repotting era,” as she calls it, her influence is set to expand beyond traditional broadcasting. She remains a part of the NBC family, promising her presence will still be felt. Her future plans reflect a deepening engagement with themes of well-being and personal growth, reinforcing her image as a compassionate and impactful public figure. Her journey continues to inspire, proving that “it gets greater later.”