If you’ve spent any time watching morning TV over the last couple of decades, Hoda Kotb probably feels like that one friend who always knows exactly what to say to make you feel better. She’s got this warmth that just radiates through the screen, right? Lately, though, the chatter hasn't been about her legendary laugh or her "wine down" segments. It’s been about her life behind the scenes. People keep asking the same question: is Hoda Kotb married?
The short answer? No. Honestly, she isn’t. But the long answer is a lot more interesting because it involves a massive life shift, a very public breakup, and a brand-new chapter that looks nothing like her old 4:00 AM wake-up calls at NBC.
The Engagement That Didn't Make It to the Altar
For a long time, it really looked like Hoda was headed for a "happily ever after" with Joel Schiffman. They were together for eight years. Eight! That’s a lifetime in celebrity years. Joel, a big-shot financier, seemed like the perfect match for her. They met at an event for Wall Street guys where Hoda was speaking—a total "meet-cute" in the rain—and things moved fast after that.
By 2019, they were engaged. He popped the question on a beach in Mexico while she was literally licking churro dust off her fingers. It was sweet, it was real, and the fans were ecstatic. But then, the world stopped. The pandemic hit, and like so many other couples, they had to postpone their wedding. Once. Twice. Three times.
Eventually, the delay wasn't about the logistics anymore. It was about the relationship itself. In January 2022, Hoda broke the news on Today that they had called it off. She basically said they were "better as friends and parents than as an engaged couple." It wasn't some scandalous blowout or a cheating drama. They just... drifted.
What Really Happened With Joel Schiffman?
Hoda’s been surprisingly raw about why things ended. In her 2025 book, Jump and Find Joy, she admitted to feeling like a "phony" in her relationships for a long time. She realized she was an optimist who tried to force a "circle into a square" because she wanted things to work so badly.
She recently talked about a retreat she attended at the Hoffman Institute where she had a total epiphany. She realized that while she still loved Joel, their "us" had shifted. It wasn’t deepening anymore.
"I think sometimes you know that a relationship is good, but you think to yourself it's not deepening," she told Today.com. "You continue along, and I think the truth of the matter is sometimes you have to say to yourself... I want to make things work, and sometimes, things don't."
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They are still incredibly close, though. They co-parent their two daughters, Haley Joy (9) and Hope Catherine (6). You’ll still see Joel at the house for barbecues or celebrating Father’s Day. It’s a modern, healthy breakup, which is kinda refreshing to see in a world of messy celebrity divorces.
Hoda’s First Marriage: The History You Might Have Forgotten
A lot of people forget that Hoda was actually married once. Back in 2005, she married Burzis Kanga, a former tennis coach at the University of New Orleans. It was a short-lived marriage—they divorced just two years later in 2007.
That year was a massive turning point for her. Not only did her marriage end, but she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment left her unable to conceive, which eventually led her down the path of adoption. It’s a reminder that the Hoda we see today—the joyful, present mom—was forged in some pretty heavy fire.
Life After the Today Show: Where is She Now?
If you haven't tuned in lately, you might have missed the biggest news: Hoda officially left the Today show in January 2025. Yeah, it was the end of an era. She decided to step away after 17 years to focus on what really matters: her girls.
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Her youngest, Hope, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and Hoda realized she couldn't keep up the grueling morning show pace while being the mom she wanted to be. She moved out of Manhattan and into the suburbs (Bronxville, specifically) to give her kids a more "normal" life.
But she isn't just sitting around. She just launched a new project called Joy Rides on her wellness app/YouTube channel, Joy 101. It’s basically her driving around and having deep, soul-searching conversations with people like Savannah Guthrie and Stacy London. She’s traded the news desk for a "soul connection," and she seems happier than ever.
Is There Someone New?
So, is Hoda dating in 2026? She hasn't gone public with anyone. She’s said she’s "longing for a soul connection" and is convinced that the right person is out there, but she isn't in a rush. She’s in what she calls her "season of repotting."
Honestly, it seems like she’s dating her own life right now. She’s doing bike rides with the kids, playing tennis, and finally hearing the stories her daughters tell in the car—stories she used to miss because she was always at work.
How to Follow Hoda's Journey
If you’re looking to keep up with what she’s doing next, here’s the best way to do it:
- Check out Joy 101: Her wellness brand and YouTube channel is where she’s putting all her energy now.
- Read her books: Jump and Find Joy is the most recent and gives the best insight into her breakup with Joel.
- Follow her on Instagram: She’s very active there, sharing real-life moments with Haley, Hope, and even her new dog, Waffles.
Hoda Kotb might not be married, but she’s clearly living a full, messy, and incredibly authentic life. She’s proof that you can change your entire trajectory at 60 and it’s not a failure—it’s just growth.
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Next Steps for Readers
If you're going through a "repotting" phase of your own, take a page out of Hoda's book: stop trying to force the "circle into the square." Acknowledge where you are, prioritize your peace, and don't be afraid to make a 10-second decision that changes everything.