8 Surprising Facts About Hoda Kotb's Daughters, Haley Joy And Hope Catherine: Inside Their Suburban Life And Health Battle

Hoda Kotb’s journey to motherhood is one of the most inspirational and widely celebrated stories in television history, a testament to hope, perseverance, and the belief that it is never too late for a life-altering dream to come true.

As of late September 2025, the former *Today Show* co-anchor is embracing a new chapter focused entirely on her two beloved daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, a decision that recently led to her stepping down from her main anchoring role. The family's life has seen significant changes, from a move to the suburbs to navigating a serious health diagnosis, all while Hoda continues to share their story with the world to encourage others on their own paths to parenthood.

Hoda Kotb: A Biographical Profile and Motherhood Timeline

Hoda Kotb is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her nearly two-decade tenure at NBC News.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Hoda Kotb
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
• Age (as of late 2025): 61
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Parents: Sameha "Sami" Kotb and Abdel Kader Kotb (Egyptian immigrants)
• Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, 1986)
• Career Highlights: Correspondent for *Dateline NBC* (1998–2008), Co-host of the fourth hour of *Today* (2007–2025) with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager, and Main Co-anchor of *Today* (2018–2025) with Savannah Guthrie.
• Health Battle: Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, which left her unable to conceive.
• Former Partner: Joel Schiffman (relationship began 2013, engagement ended 2022).
• Children: Haley Joy Kotb and Hope Catherine Kotb (both adopted).

The Miracle of Adoption: Why Haley Joy and Hope Catherine are "From the Heart"

Hoda Kotb's path to becoming a mother was profoundly shaped by her 2007 breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which resulted in her being unable to carry a child. For years, she carried an "ache" and a "hole in her heart," believing she was too late for motherhood. The idea of adoption gained traction after a pivotal conversation with actress Sandra Bullock, who encouraged Hoda to pursue it.

Haley Joy Kotb: The Love That Changed Everything

Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, in 2017 at the age of 52. Haley Joy was born on January 9, 2017, and Hoda announced the news on the *Today Show* on February 21, 2017. The name "Haley" was inspired by Halley’s Comet, which Hoda described as a beautiful event that happens "once in a blue moon." Hoda recalls the moment she first held Haley as feeling like a "puzzle piece that just snapped in," instantly realizing a love she never knew existed. Haley, now 8 years old and in 3rd grade as of September 2025, served as the inspiration for Hoda's first children's book, *I’ve Loved You Since Forever*.

Hope Catherine Kotb: The Power of Choosing Hope

Two years later, in 2019, Hoda and her then-fiancé Joel Schiffman adopted their second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb, who was born on April 13, 2019. The name "Hope" was a deliberate choice, symbolizing the feeling of waiting and praying for a child, meant to encourage other women who are "hoping that their day is coming too." Her middle name, Catherine, is a tribute to the daughter of Hoda’s best friend, Karen Swensen. Hoda famously tells both her daughters, "You didn't come from Mommy's tummy, you came from my heart," a mantra that beautifully encapsulates their adoption story.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Recent Family Updates: Health, Home, and Hoda's Career Shift (2024–2025)

The years 2024 and 2025 brought significant, life-altering changes for the Kotb family, most of which were directly tied to Hoda's desire to prioritize her daughters.

Hope’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis and Health Crisis

One of the most challenging recent updates was the revelation of Hope Catherine's health struggles. In early 2023, Hope experienced a severe health scare, requiring her to spend several days in the ICU and over a week in the hospital, which caused Hoda to take an extended, two-week break from the *Today Show*. In May 2025, Hoda publicly disclosed that her younger daughter, Hope, is living with Type 1 Diabetes. This autoimmune disease requires constant, round-the-clock monitoring and frequent insulin injections, a reality Hoda calls "constant care" for her now 6-year-old daughter. Hoda has praised Hope’s strength, calling her a "trooper" for the way she handles the daily treatments.

Leaving the *Today Show* for a "Bigger Slice of the Time Pie"

In September 2024, Hoda Kotb stunned viewers by announcing her decision to step down from her main co-anchor role on the *Today Show*, with her final day being January 10, 2025. She explained that having children later in life made her realize that her daughters and her mother, Sameha, "deserve a bigger slice of my time pie." The emotional announcement underscored her commitment to being a fully present mother, though she continues to be involved with NBC in a reduced capacity.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Move to the Suburbs and a New Puppy

To provide her children with a more "normal" life and more space, Hoda relocated the family from their New York City home to a new house in the suburbs in the summer of 2024. The girls, Haley and Hope, were reportedly thrilled about the move, especially anticipating having their own reading chairs and bean bags. In July 2025, the family grew again with the adoption of a new furry friend, a puppy named Waffles, which Hoda shared in an adorable video on Instagram.

Co-Parenting with Joel Schiffman: A "Healthy Mix"

Despite ending their engagement in early 2022 after nearly a decade together, Hoda Kotb and her ex-fiancé, New York financier Joel Schiffman, have maintained a remarkably close and effective co-parenting relationship. Hoda consistently credits Joel for making motherhood possible, stating, "it's because of Joel that I have Haley and Hope, without question."

Their co-parenting style is characterized by flexibility and a shared focus on the children's well-being, rather than strict time-sharing schedules. Joel regularly spends time at the family's suburban home, attending events like Haley's first day of school in 2025 and sharing casual moments like barbecues. Hoda has described their arrangement as a "healthy mix," where the kids know that both parents care for each other and love them dearly.

The Strong Sisterly Bond Between Haley and Hope

A constant theme in Hoda's public sharing is the incredible bond between her two daughters. Haley Joy, who was only two years old when Hope arrived, quickly embraced her role as a big sister, marching around and proclaiming, "I’m a big sister!" Hoda has frequently noted that the girls are "intertwined" and "hold hands," giving each other a "life partner" to go through life with. Their closeness was evident in September 2025 when they posed for their first-day-of-school photos, even as Haley was sporting an arm brace. From twinning as cheerleaders for Halloween to celebrating their grandmother Sameha's birthday, the girls’ relationship is a source of immense joy for the entire family.