Hoda Kotb born August 9, 1964 is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author. She is best known as the main co-anchor of the NBC News morning show Today and co-host of its entertainment-focused fourth hour. Kotb previously served as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, a television news magazine program.
Hoda Kotb Biography 2025
She acknowledged that her parents’ decision to immigrate to the United States spared her from following the same traditions, highlighting the sacrifices they made for her. Kotb also mentioned her family’s attempts at matchmaking during a visit to Egypt in her autobiography, where she humorously recalled her relatives introducing her to potential suitors, including one man named Mohamed, who was studying engineering and had a Mercedes.
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Hoda Kotb Biography Details
Born
August 9, 1964 (age 60)
Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
Citizenship
United States
Egypt
Education
Virginia Tech (BA)
Years active
1986–present
Employer
NBC News
Known for
Co-anchor of the Today show (2018–present)
Co-anchor of the fourth hour of the Today show (2008–present) Dateline NBC correspondent (1998–present)
Spouse
Burzis Kanga
(m. 2005; div. 2008)
Partner
Joel Schiffman (2013–2022)
Children
2
Hoda Kotb Early Life
Kotb was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian Muslim parents and grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. She spent time living in New Orleans during the 1990s and has also lived in Egypt and Nigeria. She has a brother named Adel and a sister named Hala. Kotb’s mother, Sameha (“Sami”), worked at the Library of Congress, while her father, Abdel Kader Kotb (1932–1985), was a fossil energy specialist and was listed in Who’s Who of Technology. In a 92nd Street Y interview, Kotb reflected on her Muslim heritage, sharing memories of her annual summer trips to Egypt, where some of her cousins wore head coverings.
Hoda Kotb Career Milestones
Milestone
Details
Joining NBC News
Kotb began her career at NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
Co-host of Today Show
In 2007, Kotb became the co-host of Today’s fourth hour.
Co-anchor of Today
In 2018, Kotb became co-anchor of the Today show with Savannah Guthrie.
Career Highlights
Achievement
Description
Peabody Award
Awarded for the Dateline NBC episode “The Education of Ms. Groves.”
Emmy Award
Won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Today’s success as a morning program.
Webby Award
Awarded for “Truly Brave” music video in collaboration with Sara Bareilles.
Hoda Kotb Books
Book Title
Release Year
Description
Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee
2010
Memoir reflecting on Kotb’s career and personal challenges.
Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives
2013
Chronicles six people’s stories of overcoming adversity.
Where They Belong
2016
A collection of stories about people making life-changing decisions.
Children Books
Book Title
Release Year
Theme
I’ve Loved You Since Forever
2018
A children’s book about unconditional love.
You Are My Happy
2019
Celebrates the things in life that bring happiness.
Hoda Kotb Awards and Recognition
Award
Year
Achievement
Gracie Award
2003, 2008
Won for her exceptional contributions as a host and journalist.
Peabody Award
2006
Awarded for her work on Dateline NBC covering “The Education of Ms. Groves”.
Time 100
2018
Named as one of the “100 Most Influential People” by Time magazine.
Personal Life and Family
Event
Details
Marriage to Burzis Kanga
Married in 2005, divorced in 2008.
Relationship with Joel Schiffman
Kotb was in a relationship with financier Joel Schiffman from 2013 until 2022.
Adopted Children
Kotb adopted two daughters: Haley Joy (2017) and Hope Catherine (2019).
Hoda Kotb Health Journey
Health Milestone
Facts
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Kotb underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2007.
Cancer-Free
After treatment, Kotb was declared cancer-free and became an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
Hoda Kotb Television Appearances
Show/Program
Year
Role
Lipstick Jungle
2009
Guest appearance as herself.
30 Rock
2010
Cameo as herself.
Law & Order: SVU
2014
Guest appearance as herself.
Hoda Kotb Contributions to Media
Contribution
Details
Webby Award for “Truly Brave”
In 2015, Kotb received a Webby Award for her work in raising awareness for pediatric cancer.
SiriusXM Show
Kotb hosted a show on SiriusXM’s Today channel, discussing casual, lifestyle topics.
Hoda Kotb Influence on TV Journalism
Impact
Points
First Female Anchor Duo
Kotb and Savannah Guthrie became the first female anchor duo on Today.
Representation of Diverse Voices
Kotb’s role in mainstream television helped to diversify voices in broadcast journalism.
Hoda Kotb Social Media Influence
Platform
Followers
Impact
Instagram
2 million+
Kotb uses her Instagram to share personal insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspire her audience.
Twitter
1 million+
Engages with followers on current events and personal updates.
Impact on Broadcast Journalism
Aspect
Details
Pioneering Role in Morning TV
Kotb’s rise as a co-anchor paved the way for more women to lead major television networks.
Compelling Storytelling
Kotb is known for her empathetic, engaging, and often inspiring storytelling.
Hoda Kotb Philanthropic Efforts
Charity
Information
Breast Cancer Awareness
Kotb is a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, particularly after her own battle.
Pediatric Cancer Fundraiser
Kotb collaborated with Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper for the “Truly Brave” music video.
Hoda Kotb Career Timeline
Year
Career Milestone
1986
Kotb begins her career as a news assistant at CBS News in Cairo, Egypt.
1998
Kotb joins NBC News and Dateline NBC as a correspondent.
2018
Kotb becomes co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Hoda Kotb Writing Career
Book Title
Details
Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee
Kotb’s memoir sharing her personal and professional journey.
Hoda Kotb Net Worth
Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American TV news anchor and host who has a net worth of $30 million.
Hoda Kotb Summary
Hoda Kotb is an American television personality, journalist, and author, best known for co-anchoring the NBC morning show Today and hosting its fourth hour. She began her career in broadcast journalism in 1986 and joined NBC News in 1998 as a Dateline NBC correspondent. Kotb’s personal journey includes battling breast cancer, adopting two daughters, and becoming an advocate for breast cancer awareness. Over the years, she has earned several prestigious awards, including a Peabody Award and a Gracie Award. In 2025, Kotb announced her decision to step down from her role as Today co-anchor in early 2025.
