When TV host Wendy Williams had the chance to sit down with Hoda Kotb on her talk show back on March 12, 2019, she couldn’t help but dive straight into one of the biggest topics on everyone’s mind: the identity of the father of Hoda’s 2-year-old adopted daughter, Haley Joy Kotb. Wendy didn’t waste any time asking the question burning on everyone’s lips: "Is he on the papers?"
Hoda, glowing with happiness, didn’t hesitate to confirm. “He’s the father!” she joyfully declared. The audience erupted in cheers as Hoda Kotb, 54, shared her personal journey of courage and vulnerability. She recounted how she approached her now-boyfriend, Joel Schiffman, 60, with the life-changing question about starting a family together.
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Confessions of a Mom-to-Be: Hoda's Heartfelt Moment
Hoda Kotb revealed how the conversation began when they were about to move in together. "I was scared because we were about to move in, and I felt this undeniable voice inside me. I told him, 'I cannot move in with you unless you know that I have this voice inside me—I have this feeling I can't push down anymore,'” she explained. “I wanted to be a mom, and the thought wouldn’t leave me alone. So, I gathered all my courage and went to Joel."
“I told him, 'I need to discuss something with you, and it’s very important.' I added, 'I don’t want you to answer me right away. I want you to marinate on it. Take a week, take a month, take as long as you need,'” she continued, laughing at the memory of Joel’s terrified expression. “And then I said, 'There’s a feeling inside me that I can’t quiet anymore, and I have to say it out loud. I want to explore adoption with you.'"
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The Surprising Reaction That Changed Everything
Hoda admitted she was nervous about Joel's response, but what happened next left her speechless. “He didn’t even need a moment to think,” Hoda said, her eyes lighting up with joy. “He said, 'I don’t need a minute.' I cried into his chest, my mascara running down my face, because in that moment, I knew there was nothing that could make me happier. He understood exactly how I felt."
“Joel is the finest man I’ve ever met,” she gushed, praising her partner who’s also a proud dad to Haley and his older daughter, Kyle Schiffman. “He’s an incredible dad. He’s patient, loving, and so supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey.”
Hoda’s story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of open communication and trust in relationships. It’s not just about finding the right person; it’s about building a life together, one filled with love, understanding, and shared dreams.
