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The Unexpected Joy: 5 Life-Altering Facts About Hoda Kotb's Children, Haley Joy And Hope Catherine

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Hoda Kotb’s journey to motherhood is one of the most inspirational and widely discussed stories in modern media, a powerful testament to the idea that family can be found and built at any age. As of late 2025, the beloved former *Today* show anchor is devotedly raising her two cherished daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, a commitment that recently led to her stepping away from her long-standing main anchor role to focus entirely on her family life. This article will delve into the most recent and critical updates on her children, providing a fresh look at their lives and the emotional details Hoda has shared. The story of her two girls, both adopted, is intertwined with Hoda’s personal battle against breast cancer in 2007, which left her unable to conceive, leading her to embrace adoption later in life at the age of 52. The recent news surrounding her youngest daughter’s health has added a new, deeply personal layer to her public life, reinforcing her role as a symbol of strength and resilience for parents everywhere.

Hoda Kotb: A Biographical Snapshot

Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality whose career spans decades, making her one of the most recognizable faces in morning television.

  • Full Name: Hoda Kotb
  • Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
  • Age (Late 2025): 61
  • Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Parents: Egyptian immigrants, Sameha "Sami" and Abdel Kader Kotb (deceased)
  • Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
  • Marital Status: Divorced (from Burzis Kanga, 2005-2008); Formerly engaged to Joel Schiffman (2013-2022)
  • Children: Two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine
  • Career Highlights: Dateline NBC Correspondent (1998–2008), Co-anchor of the fourth hour of the *Today* show (*Hoda & Jenna*, 2007–Present), Main Co-anchor of the *Today* show (2018–January 2025)
  • Health Milestone: Breast cancer survivor (diagnosed 2007)

The Unexpected Adoption Journey: Haley Joy and Hope Catherine

The core of Hoda’s family life revolves around her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, both of whom she adopted later in life with her then-partner, Joel Schiffman. This journey has made Hoda a prominent voice for older parents and those considering adoption.

Haley Joy Kotb: The First Blessing

Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, in February 2017 when Hoda was 52 years old. The name 'Haley' was chosen because it means 'shining star,' and 'Joy' reflects the overwhelming happiness she brought into Hoda’s life. As of late 2025, Haley is approximately 8 years old and has been described by her mother as having a vibrant, strong personality.

Hope Catherine Kotb: The Second Miracle

The family grew again in April 2019 with the adoption of Hope Catherine Kotb. Hoda has often spoken about the significance of the name 'Hope,' stating that she feels the girls were always meant to be her children. Hope Catherine is approximately 6 years old in late 2025.

Hoda’s decision to adopt was directly influenced by her experience as a breast cancer survivor, which left her unable to have biological children. She has openly discussed the emotional phone call she made to her then-partner, Joel Schiffman, to discuss her desire to adopt, a conversation she has since called one of the most important of her life. The success of her adoption journey has made her an inspirational figure for countless people facing similar paths to parenthood.

Recent Life Updates: Co-Parenting and a Critical Health Diagnosis

The past couple of years have brought significant changes to the Kotb family, including a shift in Hoda’s professional life and a very personal health challenge for her youngest daughter. These recent events have only deepened Hoda’s focus on motherhood and family.

The Shift to Single Motherhood and Co-Parenting

In 2022, Hoda Kotb and her longtime fiancé, businessman Joel Schiffman, announced they had ended their engagement and relationship. Despite the split, the two remain committed to co-parenting their daughters. Hoda has frequently praised Joel’s role as a father, emphasizing that their priority is to maintain a healthy, stable family environment for Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. This co-parenting arrangement is a key entity in their current family dynamic, ensuring the girls have both parents actively involved in their lives.

Hope Catherine’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

In a deeply personal and recent revelation, Hoda Kotb shared that her younger daughter, Hope Catherine, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This news is the most significant and fresh detail regarding the children’s lives as of late 2025, adding a layer of complexity and advocacy to Hoda's role as a mother. Hope was diagnosed at age six, prompting Hoda to take time off from her demanding television schedule to manage the initial stages of her daughter's condition.

Hoda has been open about the emotional impact of the diagnosis, describing the initial fear and the subsequent determination to manage the condition. She emphasizes that her daughter’s diabetes is "a part of her but not all of her," a sentiment that has resonated with the Type 1 diabetes community. This health journey has become a new, powerful focus for Hoda, inspiring her to advocate for awareness and support for children with chronic conditions.

The Legacy of an "Older Parent" and the Power of Joy

Hoda Kotb often speaks about the unique perspective of becoming a mother later in life, an experience she shares with colleagues like Savannah Guthrie. She was 52 when she adopted Haley Joy and 54 when she adopted Hope Catherine, making her a symbol of hope for women who fear the clock has run out on their dreams of motherhood. Her message is a powerful one: the timing of parenthood does not define the depth of the love and joy it brings.

Her recent decision to step back from the main anchor desk of the *Today* show in early 2025, a move confirmed by various reports, was a direct reflection of her desire to prioritize her daughters and be more present for their formative years, especially in light of Hope’s health diagnosis. This move underscores the primary entity in her life now: her role as a mother to Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Hoda's career transition and her new wellness brand, Joy 101, further cement her focus on finding and spreading happiness, a theme directly inspired by the "joy" her daughters brought into her life.

hoda kotb children
hoda kotb children

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