Hoda Kotb is a beloved American television personality, journalist, and author who has made a name for herself through her warm demeanor, captivating interviews, and unwavering commitment to bringing inspiring stories to her viewers. Best known for her role as a co-host on NBC’s Today show, Kotb’s rise to fame is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and resilience. With her signature smile, empathetic interviewing style, and positive attitude, Kotb has become one of the most recognized faces in morning television.
Career Beginnings in Local News
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Hoda began her professional career in journalism. Her first job was at a local CBS affiliate in Greenville, Mississippi, where she worked as a reporter and anchor. Hoda’s early years in the industry were filled with challenges, as she worked in several smaller markets across the country before gaining recognition on a larger stage. She moved to New Orleans, where she joined the team at WWL-TV, a CBS affiliate, as a reporter and anchor.
It was during her time in New Orleans that Hoda Kotb’s career began to take off. She became well-known for her compassionate reporting during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Her coverage of the disaster and its aftermath earned her recognition for both her professionalism and her ability to connect with viewers in a time of crisis. Hoda’s empathetic and human-centered approach to storytelling became a hallmark of her career.
Moving to National Television: NBC
In 2007, Hoda’s career took a significant step forward when she joined NBC News as a correspondent. Her first role with the network was as a reporter for Dateline NBC, where she covered major stories ranging from breaking news to human interest features. Her work on Dateline earned her critical acclaim, and she became known for her ability to interview people from all walks of life, bringing out their most personal and impactful stories.
However, it was in 2008 that Hoda Kotb really became a household name when she was paired with Kathie Lee Gifford to co-host the 4th hour of the Today show. This was a groundbreaking move for the show, and it was an instant success. The chemistry between Hoda and Kathie Lee, both of whom were known for their easygoing and candid approach, resonated deeply with viewers. The two women became fast friends and quickly developed a rapport that made the show feel less like a typical news program and more like a casual conversation among friends.
Their show, known for its mixture of interviews, celebrity gossip, and lighthearted humor, was a huge hit. Hoda’s ability to create a relaxed atmosphere where guests felt comfortable and viewers could relate to the topics being discussed was a key factor in the show’s success. She was beloved for her authentic personality and her refusal to take herself too seriously. Whether she was interviewing a celebrity or sharing anecdotes from her own life, Hoda’s warmth shone through.
Co-Anchor of Today Show
In 2017, after Matt Lauer’s exit from The Today Show amid allegations of sexual misconduct, NBC made the decision to promote Hoda Kotb to co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. Hoda’s promotion was historic, as she became the first woman of color to anchor Today in its history. This move was not only a significant moment in Hoda’s career but also a reflection of her professionalism, integrity, and the trust that NBC had in her ability to lead the show.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hoda Kotb was raised in a tight-knit Egyptian-American family. Her father, Sameh Kotb, was a civil engineer, and her mother, Sahar, was a teacher. Hoda grew up with two siblings and was always encouraged to pursue her dreams. Despite the challenges of being an immigrant family, Kotb’s parents emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
Hoda attended Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was an active student involved in many extracurricular activities. After graduating, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Virginia Tech in 1986. During her time in college, Kotb was already developing her passion for storytelling and journalism.
The Start of Her Career
After college, Hoda Kotb began her career in television journalism. She started as a reporter and anchor at local stations, including a stint at the CBS affiliate in Greenville, Mississippi. Her early years in journalism were challenging, as she worked her way up through various smaller markets, learning the ropes and honing her skills.
Her breakthrough moment came when she was hired as an anchor at WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida. However, it was her move to New Orleans that truly set the stage for her future success. Kotb became a co-anchor for WWL-TV, a CBS affiliate, and it was during her time in New Orleans that she began to garner national attention. Kotb’s work during Hurricane Katrina, where she provided essential coverage during the disaster, was particularly notable. Her ability to remain composed and compassionate during such a catastrophic event caught the eyes of national networks.
NBC and the Today Show
In 2007, Hoda Kotb’s career reached new heights when she was hired by NBC News. She initially served as a correspondent for the network, contributing to various programs, including Dateline NBC. However, it was in 2008 that Kotb truly made her mark when she was asked to co-host the 4th hour of the Today show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. This partnership quickly became a fan favorite, as the duo’s dynamic chemistry and natural camaraderie struck a chord with viewers.
The Today show’s 4th hour, which had initially been a bit of an experiment, blossomed into a highly successful segment thanks to Kotb and Gifford’s light-hearted approach, humor, and ability to engage with guests. Their segment became known for its fun and candid tone, with both hosts openly discussing their personal lives, careers, and current events. Kotb’s relatability, authenticity, and infectious energy made her a perfect fit for the morning show’s audience.
In 2017, Kotb’s role at Today was solidified when she was named co-anchor of the morning show alongside Savannah Guthrie, following the departure of Matt Lauer. Kotb’s promotion to co-anchor was groundbreaking, making her the first woman of color to hold such a prominent position on the Today show. Her promotion was widely celebrated by viewers and colleagues alike, and it solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in broadcast journalism.
Achievements and Impact
Throughout her career, Hoda Kotb has earned numerous awards and accolades for her work as a journalist. She has been recognized for her exceptional reporting, her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and her role in redefining the morning news format.
Kotb’s achievements are not limited to her role as a host. She is also an accomplished author, having written several best-selling books. Her memoir, Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, published in 2008, gives readers a deeper understanding of her personal journey, including
her struggles with cancer and her rise in the broadcasting world. Kotb’s candid storytelling and heartfelt reflections resonated with readers, adding another layer to her public persona.
In addition to her personal memoir, Kotb has written I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By and Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives. These books, filled with inspirational stories and advice, reflect Kotb’s own philosophy on life—embracing adversity, finding joy in the journey, and staying hopeful no matter the challenges. other
Another significant achievement for Kotb was her coverage of major world events. As a correspondent for Dateline NBC, she covered high-profile stories such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Kotb’s sensitive yet thorough approach to reporting helped her gain respect in the journalism world.
Personal Life and Public Image
While Hoda Kotb’s career has made her a household name, her personal life has also been a source of inspiration for many. She has often shared her experiences as a mother and the joy she has found in raising her two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, who were adopted in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Kotb’s decision to adopt was a deeply personal one, and she has spoken openly about the emotional and life-changing experience.
Kotb’s openness about her journey to motherhood has made her a relatable figure for many women, particularly those who are navigating the challenges of starting a family later in life or through non-traditional means. She has praised her daughters for bringing so much happiness and fulfillment to her life and continues to be an advocate for adoption and foster care.
In addition to her role as a mother, Kotb has also been public about her relationships. She was previously married to Burzis Kanga, a former college tennis coach, but the couple divorced in 2008. She later entered into a relationship with financier Joel Schiffman, with whom she shares her two children. In 2021, Kotb and Schiffman announced that they had split after a long engagement, a decision that Kotb handled with grace and transparency. She remains a strong, positive figure for her fans, choosing to focus on her work, her children, and her personal growth.
Hoda Kotb’s Legacy
Hoda Kotb’s impact on television and journalism is immeasurable. She has redefined what it means to be a modern journalist, blending hard-hitting reporting with empathy, authenticity, and a deep connection to her audience. Through her work on the Today show and her various reporting assignments, Kotb has touched the lives of millions, offering hope, humor, and inspiration.
Her ability to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life has made her a role model for women everywhere. She’s proven that success is not just about career achievements but also about personal growth, resilience, and the ability to embrace life’s challenges with a positive attitude.
As Hoda Kotb continues to break barriers and inspire audiences, her legacy as a journalist, television personality, and author will undoubtedly remain strong for years to come. Her story is one of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine love for the people and stories she encounters along the way.