Hoda Kotb: Ethnicity, Net Worth, Children, Parents, Religion, Age, Husband & More

Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American journalist, television personality, and author who became one of the most recognizable faces in American morning television during her long career at NBC News.

She spent nearly three decades with NBC, including more than 17 years on Today. She became the show's main co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2018, making history as part of its first all-female anchor team. Kotb left Today in January 2025, choosing to devote more time to her daughters and pursue a new chapter outside the daily morning broadcast.

Since leaving Today, Kotb has remained active in media and has built Joy 101, a wellness company and app centered on personal growth, mindfulness, movement, sleep and what she calls the practice of joy.

Her personal life has also attracted considerable attention, particularly her Egyptian heritage, Muslim upbringing, marriage to Burzis Kanga, relationship with Joel Schiffman, adoption of two daughters and battle with breast cancer.

Quick Facts About Hoda Kotb

●      Full name: Hoda Kotb

●      Date of birth: August 9, 1964

●      Age: 62

●      Birthplace: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.

●      Nationality: American; also holds Egyptian citizenship

●      Ethnicity: Egyptian

●      Parents: Sameha Kotb and Abdel Kader Kotb

●      Siblings: Adel Kotb and Hala Kotb

●      Religion/upbringing: Muslim

●      Education: Virginia Tech

●      Degree: B.A. in broadcast journalism

●      First husband: Burzis Kanga

●      Marriage: 2005–2008

●      Former fiancé: Joel Schiffman

●      Children: Haley Joy and Hope Catherine

●      Former employer: NBC News

●      Known for: Today, Dateline NBC

●      Current venture: Joy 101

●      Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), reported

How Old Is Hoda Kotb?

Hoda Kotb was born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma.

She turned 62 on August 9, 2026.

Although she was born in Oklahoma, Kotb spent much of her childhood in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. She also spent time living in Nigeria and visiting relatives in Egypt.

Her childhood experiences as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants became an important part of her identity and later influenced her writing.

What Is Hoda Kotb's Ethnicity?

Hoda Kotb is Egyptian-American.

Both of her parents were born in Egypt, and Kotb has openly discussed her Egyptian heritage throughout her career. In her memoir Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, she wrote directly about being Egyptian and having a name that often stood out in America.

Her parents moved from Egypt to the United States in 1960, shortly after getting married. Her father studied petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma, while her mother pursued library science.

Kotb has also spent considerable time in Egypt and has spoken about her connection to the country and its culture.

Is Hoda Kotb Egyptian?

Yes.

Kotb was born in the United States, but both of her parents were Egyptian.

She has also been reported as holding Egyptian citizenship in addition to U.S. citizenship.

Her Egyptian background has been a recurring theme in her books and interviews.

Kotb has described growing up in an immigrant household in which her parents encouraged their children to embrace American life, even while maintaining connections to Egypt.

Who Are Hoda Kotb's Parents?

Hoda Kotb's parents were Sameha Kotb, commonly known as Sami, and Abdel Kader Kotb.

Both were born in Egypt.

Her parents met in Egypt and later moved to the United States after marriage. Her father pursued advanced studies in petroleum engineering, while her mother studied library science.

The couple had three children:

●      Hoda Kotb

●      Adel Kotb

●      Hala Kotb

Who Was Hoda Kotb's Father?

Hoda Kotb's father was Abdel Kader Kotb.

He was a fossil-energy specialist and was listed in Who's Who in Technology. He also taught at West Virginia University after the family moved to Morgantown.

Kotb's father died relatively young. His sudden death had a profound effect on her.

According to Kotb's recollections, her brother told her about their father's death while she was attending a college event. She has subsequently spoken about how losing him affected her life and career.

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Mother?

Hoda's mother is Sameha Kotb, affectionately known as Sami.

Sameha worked for many years at the Library of Congress and has remained an important presence in her daughter's life.

She also played an important role in helping Kotb with her children. People have described her as a mother and grandmother who has supported Hoda through difficult periods, including her cancer treatment and journey into motherhood.

Sameha has also appeared alongside Hoda on television, including segments involving family recipes and food.

Does Hoda Kotb Have Siblings?

Yes.

Hoda Kotb has two siblings:

●      Adel Kotb, her brother

●      Hala Kotb, her sister

Kotb has spoken about growing up with her siblings in an Egyptian-American family.

What Religion Is Hoda Kotb?

Hoda Kotb was raised Muslim.

Her parents were Egyptian Muslims, and her Muslim upbringing was part of her childhood experience.

However, Kotb has generally spoken about her faith in broader, personal terms rather than frequently emphasizing a particular religious denomination.

In a discussion about her faith journey, she described being brought up to believe in God and said she has wrestled with questions of faith at different points in her life.

Where Did Hoda Kotb Go to College?

Kotb attended Virginia Tech, where she graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.

During college, she was involved with the student radio station WUVT and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Her broadcasting career began soon after graduation.

How Did Hoda Kotb Start Her Career?

Kotb's professional journalism career began in 1986.

Her first television job was at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi.

Getting that first job was not easy.

Kotb has recalled driving around Virginia and other areas looking for work and being rejected by 27 news directors in 10 days before finally getting her opportunity.

She subsequently worked at television stations in:

●      Greenville, Mississippi

●      Moline, Illinois

●      Fort Myers, Florida

●      New Orleans, Louisiana

Those local-news positions eventually led her to national television.

When Did Hoda Kotb Join NBC?

Hoda Kotb joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.

Her work on Dateline involved major interviews, investigative reports, and international stories.

She remained associated with NBC for nearly three decades.

When Did Hoda Kotb Join Today?

Kotb became a co-host of the fourth hour of Today in 2007, initially alongside Kathie Lee Gifford.

The fourth hour later became Today with Hoda & Jenna when Jenna Bush Hager took over from Gifford.

In 2018, Kotb was named co-anchor of the main Today broadcast alongside Savannah Guthrie.

The appointment followed NBC's decision to remove Matt Lauer from the program in 2017.

Why Did Hoda Kotb Leave Today?

Hoda Kotb announced in September 2024 that she would leave Today in early 2025.

Her decision was largely connected to her desire to spend more time with her daughters and enter a different stage of her life.

Her final day on Today was January 10, 2025.

In announcing her decision, Kotb emphasized that her daughters and her mother needed more of her time.

She had spent nearly 30 years at NBC and nearly two decades as part of Today.

What Is Hoda Kotb Doing Now?

Hoda Kotb is now focused heavily on Joy 101, her wellness company.

Joy 101 describes itself as a platform built around daily practices, expert-led courses, meditation, breathwork, movement, sleep support, and personal growth.

The company also hosts live events and retreats.

For example, Joy 101 held a spring retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona, in March 2026, and has scheduled a fall retreat for September 25–27, 2026, in Amelia Island, Florida.

Joy 101's website identifies Kotb as its founder and CEO.

Is Hoda Kotb Still With NBC?

Kotb is no longer a regular anchor of Today.

She left the morning program in January 2025 after nearly 30 years with NBC.

Her departure, however, did not mean the end of her media career. She has continued making television appearances and developing her own projects.

In August 2026, for example, she returned to Today with Jenna & Sheinelle as a guest and discussed her life after leaving the show.

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Husband?

Hoda Kotb's former husband was Burzis Kanga.

The couple married in 2005 and divorced in 2008. Kanga was a tennis coach at the University of New Orleans.

Kotb has since spoken candidly about the marriage, explaining that she and Kanga eventually realized the relationship wasn't right for either of them long-term.

Therefore, Hoda Kotb is not currently married.

Who Was Hoda Kotb's First Husband?

Hoda Kotb's first and only publicly documented husband is Burzis Kanga.

They married in 2005 and divorced in 2008.

Kanga was a University of New Orleans tennis coach.

After their divorce, Kotb eventually entered a long-term relationship with financier Joel Schiffman.

Who Is Joel Schiffman?

Joel Schiffman is a financier and Hoda Kotb's former fiancé.

The couple began dating in 2013 and became publicly known as a couple in the years that followed.

They adopted two daughters together, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.

Schiffman proposed to Kotb in 2019.

The couple never married.

In January 2022, Kotb announced that they had ended their engagement and would continue as friends and co-parents.

Is Hoda Kotb Married Now?

No.

Hoda Kotb is not currently married.

Her previous marriage to Burzis Kanga ended in divorce in 2008, while her later engagement to Joel Schiffman ended in 2022.

Kotb has not publicly announced a new marriage.

She did reveal in August 2026 that she had been texting a man she met unexpectedly on a flight. She described him as single and "very handsome," but his identity has not been publicly disclosed.

How Many Children Does Hoda Kotb Have?

Hoda Kotb has two children, both daughters:

●      Haley Joy Kotb

●      Hope Catherine Kotb

Kotb adopted both daughters.

Kotb adopted Haley Joy in 2017 and Hope Catherine in 2019.

Motherhood has become one of the most important parts of Kotb's life, and her desire to spend more time with her children was a major factor in her decision to leave Today.

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Daughter Haley Joy?

Haley Joy Kotb is Hoda's older daughter.

Kotb announced her adoption in February 2017.

Haley was adopted when Kotb was 52 years old, a decision she has described as one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.

Joel Schiffman was also involved in raising Haley during their relationship.

Haley is 9 years old.

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Daughter Hope Catherine?

Hope Catherine Kotb is Hoda's younger daughter.

Kotb announced her adoption in April 2019.

Hope was adopted when Kotb was 54.

Kotb has regularly shared family moments involving both daughters, including school milestones, birthdays, and vacations.

Hope is 7 years old.

Does Joel Schiffman Still See Hoda Kotb's Children?

Yes.

Although Kotb and Schiffman ended their romantic relationship, they continue to co-parent Haley and Hope.

The former couple has been photographed together with their daughters on family occasions, including a 2026 vacation. Kotb has continued to describe Schiffman positively as a father.

Their ability to maintain a cooperative parenting relationship has been an important part of their post-engagement relationship.

Did Hoda Kotb Have Cancer?

Yes.

Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and subsequently became an advocate for breast-cancer awareness.

Kotb chose to share her cancer journey publicly, including allowing Today cameras to document parts of her experience.

Her diagnosis had a significant impact on her life and eventually became part of her broader work encouraging conversations about health and resilience.

Is Hoda Kotb Cancer-Free?

Kotb has publicly discussed being cancer-free following her treatment.

Her breast-cancer experience remains an important part of her personal story, but there is no credible current report indicating that she has a recurrence of breast cancer.

She has continued working, traveling, and raising her daughters since her treatment.

What Is Hoda Kotb's Net Worth?

Celebrity Net Worth currently lists her net worth at approximately $60 million, while other publications have cited figures closer to $30 million.

Her income has come from several sources, including:

●      NBC News

●      Today

●      Books

●      Television appearances

●      Podcasts

●      Speaking engagements

●      Production work

●      Joy 101

What Was Hoda Kotb's NBC Salary?

Hoda Kotb's salary at NBC has been the subject of considerable media reporting.

When she became Today co-anchor in 2018, reports put her annual salary at approximately $7 million.

However, reports about her later compensation vary substantially.

Celebrity Net Worth currently lists a $20 million annual salary, but this figure is not an official NBC disclosure.

Therefore, it would be misleading to state that Kotb definitely earned $20 million annually.

What is the most reliable salary figure?

The best-documented figure is the approximately $7 million annual salary reported when she became a main Today co-anchor in 2018. Her later compensation was not publicly confirmed.

How Tall Is Hoda Kotb?

Hoda Kotb is commonly listed at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 metres).

What Books Has Hoda Kotb Written?

Kotb is also a successful author.

Her books include:

●      Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee

●      Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives

●      Where We Belong: Journeying to Unexpected Places

●      This Just Speaks to Me: Words to Live By Every Day

●      I Really Needed This Today

●      Children's books including I've Loved You Since Forever

Her writing frequently focuses on resilience, relationships, personal growth, and finding meaning in difficult experiences.

What Awards Has Hoda Kotb Won?

Kotb has received major recognition during her journalism career.

Her honors include Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Her journalism career included coverage of wars and major international events, while her Today work brought her a different kind of national recognition as a morning-show personality.

Her career has therefore combined serious journalism with entertainment, lifestyle and human-interest storytelling.

Hoda Kotb's Career Timeline

Year    Career milestone

1964    Born in Norman, Oklahoma

1986    Graduated from Virginia Tech

1986    Began television career in Mississippi

Late 1980s–1990s       Worked in Illinois, Florida, and Louisiana

1998    Joined NBC News and Dateline NBC

2005    Married Burzis Kanga

2007    Joined Today's fourth hour; diagnosed with breast cancer

2008    Divorced Kanga

2013    Began relationship with Joel Schiffman

2017    Adopted Haley Joy

2018    Became main Today co-anchor

2019    Adopted Hope Catherine; became engaged to Schiffman

2022    Ended engagement with Schiffman

2024    Announced departure from Today

2025    Left Today

2025–2026      Expanded Joy 101

2026    Turned 62 and continued developing Joy 101

NBC confirms that Kotb's final Today broadcast was January 10, 2025, after a career at NBC spanning nearly 30 years.

What Is Hoda Kotb Doing After Today?

Kotb's post-Today career is increasingly centered on Joy 101.

The company describes its app as offering more than 1,000 practices covering areas such as:

●      Breathwork

●      Meditation

●      Movement

●      Sleep

●      Personal growth

●      Longevity

●      Emotional well-being

The platform also offers live conversations with Kotb and wellness experts.

The company currently charges $16.99 per month or $99.99 per year for its U.S. membership, with free trial periods.

Hoda Kotb in 2026

Kotb remains active in the public eye despite leaving Today.

She appeared on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, where she discussed her life after the morning show and revealed that she had been communicating with a man she met on a flight.

She also continues to develop Joy 101 and host events through the company.

Joy 101's 2026 schedule includes wellness events and retreats, including a September retreat in Amelia Island, Florida.

Her current career is therefore less focused on daily news broadcasting and more on wellness, entrepreneurship, writing, speaking, and family life.

Conclusion

Hoda Kotb's story is considerably bigger than her years on Today.

Born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian parents, she grew up between American and Egyptian cultural influences before building a journalism career that eventually took her from small local stations to Dateline NBC and one of the most coveted positions in American morning television.

She became a main Today co-anchor in 2018 and remained in the position until January 2025. Her decision to leave was driven largely by her desire to give more time to her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.

Her personal life has included a marriage to Burzis Kanga, a long-term relationship and engagement to Joel Schiffman, and a highly publicized journey into motherhood through adoption. Although Kotb and Schiffman separated in 2022, they continue to co-parent their daughters.

Her health journey has also shaped her public identity. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, Kotb underwent treatment and subsequently became an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness.

Today, at 62, Kotb is entering another chapter. Rather than disappearing from public life after Today, she has shifted toward entrepreneurship through Joy 101, where she serves as founder and CEO. The company has expanded into an app, live conversations, and wellness retreats.

What is certain is that Hoda Kotb has successfully transformed herself from a local-news reporter into a nationally recognized journalist, author, mother and entrepreneur—and her career is continuing well beyond the Today show.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Hoda Kotb in a relationship?

Hoda Kotb has not publicly confirmed that she is in an official relationship. However, in August 2026, she revealed that she has been texting a single man she met on a flight after the two formed what she described as an unexpected connection. She has not publicly revealed his name or said that they are officially dating.

Kotb previously had a long-term relationship with Joel Schiffman, but they ended their engagement in 2022 and continue to co-parent their two daughters.

2. What is Hoda Kotb's daughter's diagnosis?

Hoda Kotb's younger daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2023. Kotb has spoken publicly about Hope's health and the additional attention and monitoring required after the diagnosis.

Before publicly identifying the condition, Kotb had discussed Hope's serious health crisis and hospitalization in 2023 without initially revealing the diagnosis.

3. Is Hoda Kotb Arabic?

Hoda Kotb is Egyptian-American, and she has Egyptian Arab heritage. She was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian Muslim parents, Sameha and Abdel Kader Kotb. Her family also lived in Egypt and Nigeria during her childhood.

Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Kotb as Egyptian-American of Arab heritage rather than simply saying that she is “Arabic.” “Arabic” generally refers to a language or cultural identity, while Arab is the appropriate term for an ethnic/cultural identity.

4. Why did Hoda Kotb leave the Today Show?

Hoda Kotb left the Today Show in January 2025 after nearly 17 years with the program. She said one of the main reasons was that she wanted to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, and enter a new stage of her life.

Kotb announced her decision in September 2024 after celebrating her 60th birthday. Her final day as a Today co-anchor was January 10, 2025. She subsequently focused on her wellness venture, Joy 101, podcasting, and her family.

She has not disappeared from television completely. Kotb has made several appearances on Today since leaving her regular anchor position, including appearances in 2026.