Let’s talk about Hoda Kotb, the beloved Today show host who’s been through a lot in her quest for love. She’s been married, divorced, and now she’s back on the dating scene. But her journey is more than just finding Mr. Right—it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and embracing life’s twists and turns. Hoda’s not just looking for love; she’s building a life that’s fulfilling, meaningful, and, most importantly, happy.
Hoda’s First Marriage: A Beautiful Beginning With Burzis Kanga
Hoda Kotb walked down the aisle for the first time in 2005, when she married Burzis Kanga, a charming tennis coach. The two met at a fundraiser for the American Heart Association’s Valentine’s Day event in New Orleans, where their connection sparked instantly. It was love at first sight—or at least that’s how it felt at the time. Hoda and Burzis tied the knot in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, surrounded by their closest family members. The ceremony was intimate, filled with laughter, joy, and all the feels.
Hoda opened up about her marriage in an interview with New Orleans Living Magazine in 2006. She shared how their relationship had its ups and downs before they finally reconnected. “We dated off and on for years,” she said. “Then I moved to New York, but eventually, we found each other again. He proposed in May, and we got married in December. Married life has been great! We’ve been enjoying Broadway plays, great food, and even a neighborhood bar that plays soul music. If I had known it would be this much fun, I’d have done it sooner!”
Read also:Sam Woods Golfer A Rising Star On The Golf Scene
But life isn’t always smooth sailing. Hoda and Burzis’s marriage ended in 2008, just three years after they said “I do.” What made this period even tougher was Hoda’s diagnosis with breast cancer, which happened a year before their divorce was finalized. During a heartfelt moment on Today in 2023, Hoda reflected on those challenging times. “I went through a divorce and breast cancer simultaneously,” she admitted. “I barely functioned during that time. I thought, ‘Is this it? Is this how it goes?’ My health was in terrible shape, and I didn’t care. You don’t realize how much your well-being impacts everything until it spirals out of control. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I grew from it.”
Hoda’s Second Chance at Love With Joel Schiffman
Fast forward to 2013, and Hoda met Joel Schiffman at a Wall Street event. Their romance started quietly, staying under the radar for the first two years. When asked about their early days, Hoda joked during an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, “I didn’t know anything about him except that he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. So, I asked someone to find out his ‘situation.’ Turns out, he emailed me and asked me out on a date. The rest is history—or almost history!”
In 2016, Hoda and Joel moved in together, marking a significant step in their relationship. Life got even sweeter for Hoda when she adopted her eldest daughter, Haley, in 2017, followed by her youngest, Hope, in 2019. By the end of 2019, Hoda and Joel were engaged, ready to take their love to the next level. But fate had other plans. Due to the pandemic, their wedding was postponed multiple times. In January 2022, Hoda surprised everyone by announcing their breakup on Today. “Joel and I had deep, meaningful conversations over the holidays,” she explained. “We decided we’re better as friends and parents than as an engaged couple. So, we’re starting this new year on a fresh path as loving parents to our adorable kids and as friends.”
Hoda’s New Chapter: Back on the Dating Scene
After her split from Joel, Hoda decided to dip her toes back into the dating pool. And guess what? She’s enjoying every minute of it! She revealed that she’s been on multiple dates with a mystery man, introduced to her by none other than her Today cohost Jenna Bush Hager. “I had such a great time on our first date,” Hoda gushed to Entertainment Tonight in March 2024. “It was so much fun! There’s been a second date already, and we’re planning a third. You never know where these things will go, but for now, it’s really enjoyable.”
