Hoda Kotb is one of America’s most recognisable and trusted television personalities, known for her warmth, optimism, and long-standing presence on NBC’s Today show. From her years as a Dateline NBC correspondent to becoming the main co-anchor of Today and the co-host of its popular fourth hour, she has built a career defined by resilience, connection, and authenticity.
Loved by viewers for her openness and uplifting spirit, Hoda’s journey stretches far beyond the anchor desk. In this article, we’ll look at her early life, family background, career milestones, and the personal moments that have shaped her into a beloved figure in American media.
Hoda Kotb’s Recent Moments in the Spotlight
Hoda Kotb recently surprised longtime co-host Jenna Bush Hager with a heartfelt birthday visit on her show, showing that even after stepping away from full-time hosting, she remains close with the “Today” family.
Shortly after that warm reunion, Kotb also reunited with another former colleague, Savannah Guthrie, to co-host the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a celebration of tradition and friendship as she returns to NBC’s holiday broadcast lineup.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Hoda Kotb was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian parents, Sameha (“Sami”) Kotb and Abdel Kader Kotb, and spent her childhood in West Virginia and Virginia, with time also spent living in Egypt and Nigeria. She grew up in a close family with her brother Adel and sister Hala, and often speaks fondly of her summers in Egypt and the cultural traditions she experienced there.
Her mother worked at the Library of Congress, while her father was a respected specialist in fossil energy. Hoda graduated from Fort Hunt High School, where she was homecoming queen, and went on to attend Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism in 1986.
Her strong academic and cultural foundation played a key role in shaping the storyteller and broadcaster she would become.
| Full Name | Hoda Kotb |
| Date of Birth | 9 August 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Norman, Oklahoma, United States |
| Nationality | American, Egyptian |
| Parents | Father: A.K. Kotb
Mother: Sameha Kotb |
| Husband | Burzis Kanga |
| Children | Hope Catherine Kotb |
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Hoda Kotb has built a successful career across journalism, television hosting, and writing, giving her an estimated net worth of around $30 million.
She was born into an Egyptian Muslim family and has spoken warmly about her cultural and spiritual roots, though she keeps her personal beliefs private. In terms of background, Hoda is Egyptian-American, proud of both her Middle Eastern heritage and her upbringing in the United States.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships & Children
Hoda Kotb’s personal life has seen several meaningful chapters. She was first married to University of New Orleans tennis coach Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008. Years later, she began a long-term relationship with New York financier Joel Schiffman in 2013.
Together, they welcomed two daughters through adoption: Haley Joy in 2017 and Hope Catherine in 2019. Hoda and Joel became engaged in 2019, but in early 2022, she shared on Today that they had decided to end the engagement while continuing to co-parent their children as close friends.
Alongside her family life, Hoda has also been open about her 2007 breast cancer experience, later becoming a strong advocate for awareness and support for others facing similar diagnoses.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Hoda Kotb has a warm, approachable presence that viewers instantly recognize. She stands at around 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a balanced, healthy build. Hoda is known for her light brown hair, often styled in soft layers, and her bright brown eyes.
Career Details
Hoda Kotb’s career began shortly after college with her first on-air job at WXVT in Mississippi, followed by reporting roles in Illinois, Florida, and New Orleans. In 1998, she joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, becoming a trusted storyteller across the network. She later made television history as the first host of the fourth hour of Today in 2007, first alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager.
In 2018, Hoda became the main co-anchor of Today, forming the show’s first all-female anchor duo with Savannah Guthrie. After nearly two decades at NBC, she stepped down from her anchor role in January 2025 while remaining with the network in a new capacity. Alongside broadcasting, Hoda is also a successful author, writing bestselling memoirs, inspirational books, and children’s stories.
Over her career, she has received major honors, including a Peabody Award, multiple Headliner Awards, several Gracie Awards, a duPont-Columbia Award, Daytime Emmy wins, and recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018. Her career is marked by resilience, warmth, and a powerful commitment to meaningful storytelling.
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