Her 2 Adopted Daughters: What You Need to Know

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Hoda Kotb made the significant decision to leave the TODAY show after an impressive tenure of nearly 20 years. In her heartfelt announcement in September 2024, she expressed a desire to shift her focus, stating, “A new decade of my life lies ahead, and now, my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.” This choice reflects her commitment to family and highlights the importance of work-life balance in her life.

Throughout her career, it has been evident that Hoda prioritizes her children above all else, clearly demonstrating her dedication as a mother. Despite the demanding nature of her career, she has managed to maintain a graceful balance between her professional responsibilities and her role as a parent, showcasing her ability to juggle both aspects of her life. Hoda’s commitment to her family has always been at the forefront, illustrating the deep love and connection she shares with her daughters.

Reflecting on her journey into motherhood, Hoda once shared, “Sometimes I wonder like, ‘How did this happen? How did I get this?’” She expressed feelings of unworthiness in the past but has since embraced her role as a parent. “I’m worthy of these children, I’m worthy of myself. I’m enough just as I am. I will nurture and love these little girls, as long as God lets me have them for as long as I’ll be here.” This profound realization speaks volumes about her growth and the unconditional love she has for her daughters.

Hoda has also expressed openness to expanding her family further through adoption. Back in 2020, while still engaged to her long-term boyfriend, financier Joel Schiffman, she mused about the potential of adding another child to their family. “We wondered, you know, would our family be better with another child? Do we have enough love, do we have enough time, you know, will we be a better family unit?” she recalled in an interview with ET. “And the answer to all those questions seems to be ‘yes, we would be.’ But you can’t control how life works,” she added. Hoda’s perspective demonstrates her faith in the journey of life and her openness to whatever may come.

Unfortunately, in January 2022, Hoda announced that she and Joel had decided to end their engagement. She explained, “We decided that we are better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple, so we decided that we are going to start this new year on our new path as loving parents to our adorably delightful children and as friends.” This change brought about a new chapter in their lives, yet the love for their daughters remained unchanged. In February 2023, Hoda faced a family crisis when her youngest daughter, Hope, was hospitalized, prompting her temporary leave from The Today Show. Thankfully, Hope has since returned home and is on the path to recovery, showcasing the resilience of their family.

Join us as we take a closer look at Hoda’s two beloved daughters and the joy they bring to her life!

Meet Hayley Joy: Hoda’s First Born and Valentine’s Gift

In February 2017, Hoda shared an emotional announcement with her Today family, revealing that she welcomed her first child, Hayley Joy Kotb, at the age of 52. “She’s a Valentine’s baby. She is the love of my life,” Hoda expressed with immense joy. “I didn’t know my heart could feel like this. This is a moment in my life that I never thought would happen, and here it is, happening to me.” This heartfelt moment resonated with many, showcasing the transformative power of motherhood in her life.

Previously married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2007, Hoda celebrated this beautiful new chapter on her Instagram as well. “And then my soul saw you and it kind of went, ‘Oh there you are. I’ve been looking for you,’” her post read, encapsulating the deep connection she felt upon becoming a mother.

Introducing Hope: Hoda’s Precious Second Daughter

On April 16, 2019, during a touching episode of the TODAY show, Hoda joyfully shared with her co-hosts that she had adopted a second baby girl named Hope Catherine Kotb. Hoda recounted the beautiful moment when her first daughter, Hayley, learned she was going to be a big sister. “We had Hayley downstairs, and Joel and I were like, ‘Wait; we have a present!’ So we went upstairs, and came down holding her. And we have been telling her ‘baby Hope is coming.’ She literally walked up to her, looked up at her, and she goes, ‘Hope.’ It was like one of those moments,” Hoda explained, highlighting the love and excitement of their growing family.

Hoda chose the name “Hope” because she had always hoped, prayed, and dreamed about having another child. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates her journey into motherhood, filled with love and anticipation. Additionally, her social media is often filled with photographs showcasing how much Hoda’s two daughters have grown, a testament to her joy and pride as a mother.

In March 2023, Hoda’s absence from The Today Show sparked concern due to a “family health issue.” It was later revealed that her two-week leave was related to Hope’s hospitalization. Thankfully, by March 6, her 3-year-old daughter returned home. “[Hope’s] vibrant and brilliant. She’s home,” Hoda expressed on air, filled with gratitude. “I’m over the moon that she’s home, and I can’t believe how amazing people are.” In a touching moment on June 6, she shared her daughter’s first picture since the ordeal on Instagram, showcasing the resilience of their family.