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 2024
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.
Hoda Kotb Biography Details
| Born | August 9, 1964 (age 60) Norman, Oklahoma, U.S. |
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| Education | Virginia Tech (BA) |
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| Years active | 1986–present |
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| Employer | NBC News |
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| 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) |
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| Spouse | Burzis Kanga (m. 2005; div. 2008) |
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| Partner | Joel Schiffman (2013–2022) |
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| Children | 2 |
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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 2024, Kotb announced her decision to step down from her role as Today co-anchor in early 2025.
