Hoda Kotb (American broadcaster and journalist) Bio: Age, Career, Spouse, Education, Height, Nationality & Net Worth
Who is Hoda Kotb?
Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American broadcast journalist and television personality, widely recognized as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show and co-host of its fourth hour, Today with Hoda & Jenna. She has been a key figure in American media for more than 20 years, also working as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Kotb is admired for her friendly and relatable on-screen presence, and for her advocacy of breast cancer awareness after overcoming the disease herself. Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, she has forged a successful career that has earned her a place as a beloved figure in many households.
Hoda Kotb age and birthday
Kotb, born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, is 60 years old and has the zodiac sign Leo.
Hoda Kotb height and weight
Kotb is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs approximately 158 pounds (72 kg). She has a fit, muscular physique, which she maintains with a strict diet and consistent exercise routine. Her physical features are often highlighted by her light brown hair and dark brown eyes, which enhance her friendly and captivating on-screen demeanour.
Hoda Kotb educational background
Kotb graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Virginia Tech in 1986. While at Virginia Tech, she was involved in the Delta Delta Delta sorority and participated in the campus radio station, experiences that helped shape the start of her journalism career.
Hoda Kotb dating life, spouse and children
Kotb, the beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has had an eventful dating life. She was married to Burzis Kanga, a former tennis coach, from 2005 to 2008. After their divorce, she began dating financier Joel Schiffman in 2013, and they publicly confirmed their relationship in 2015. The couple got engaged in 2019 but chose to end their engagement in January 2022, opting to stay friends and co-parent their two daughters, Haley and Hope.
Hoda has expressed that she is looking for a partner who is athletic, thoughtful, tall, and bald. She also desires someone who enhances her life rather than complicates it. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains optimistic about finding love again. Hoda, along with Joel Schiffman, adopted two daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. Embracing her role as a suburban mom, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, taking them to school, and participating in their activities.
Hoda Kotb nationality and ethnicity
Kotb is of Egyptian-American descent, born to Egyptian Muslim parents in Norman, Oklahoma, USA. Her father, Abdel Kader Kotb, was a fossil energy specialist from Cairo, while her mother, Sameha Mahmoud Kotb, worked at the Library of Congress. Hoda spent her childhood in several locations, including Morgantown, West Virginia, Alexandria, Virginia, and New Orleans.
Hoda Kotb’s parents and siblings
Kotb has two siblings: a younger brother, Adel Kotb Jr., and a younger sister, Hala Kotb. Adel is a civil engineer based in Virginia and is married to Colleen Gallagher, a nurse. They have several children, including a daughter named Ella. Hala has been a key source of support for Hoda throughout her life.
Hoda’s parents were Abdel Kader Kotb, a fossil energy specialist from Cairo, and Sameha Mahmoud Kotb, who worked at the Library of Congress. Her father passed away in 1986 when Hoda was just 22 years old.
Hoda Kotb career
Kotb has had an impressive career in journalism and broadcasting, beginning as a news assistant for CBS News in Cairo, Egypt, in 1986. After returning to the United States, she worked as a reporter and anchor for various local news stations, including WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, and WWL-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her dedication and captivating storytelling quickly caught the attention of NBC News, leading her to join the network in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
In 2007, Hoda became the first host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show, initially alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and later with Jenna Bush Hager. Her genuine and engaging presence made a strong connection with audiences, which eventually led to her role as co-anchor of the Today show in 2018, alongside Savannah Guthrie. Throughout her career, Hoda has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, cementing her status as a respected figure in broadcasting.
Beyond her television career, Hoda is also an accomplished author, having written several books, including her autobiography Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee and Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made. She is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing her own battle with the disease and inspiring many others.
Hoda recently announced her departure from the Today show in January 2025, after nearly 30 years with NBC. She plans to explore new opportunities in the wellness industry and devote more time to her daughters, Haley and Hope. As she moves forward, Hoda’s future remains bright, as she continues to inspire and engage with her audience through her work and personal projects.
Hoda Kotb notable works and significant contributions
Kotb has made significant contributions throughout her career, particularly as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, where she has covered a wide range of major events and human-interest stories. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including several Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program. She has also been honored with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for her exceptional reporting.
Beyond her journalism career, Hoda is an accomplished author. Her autobiography, Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, became a New York Times bestseller. In addition, she has written several other books, including Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made and I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By.
Hoda is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, using her personal experience with the disease to inspire others. Her advocacy work has had a significant impact on raising awareness and providing support to those affected by breast cancer.
Hoda Kotb’s major achievements
Kotb has reached several significant milestones in her career. Since 2018, she has served as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie. Hoda has been a correspondent for Dateline NBC since 1998, covering a variety of impactful stories. Her outstanding work has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, as well as a prestigious Peabody Award for exceptional reporting. In recognition of her influence, she was also named to Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.
In addition to her television career, Hoda is a successful author, having written best-selling books like her autobiography Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee and I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By. She is also a dedicated advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing her personal journey with the disease and inspiring many others to raise awareness and support those affected.
Hoda Kotb hobbies
Kotb has a wide range of hobbies she enjoys in her spare time. She is an avid reader and has a deep appreciation for country music. Hoda has been taking guitar lessons for several years and can play several songs, including Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” She also makes time for daily journaling and has a strong passion for basketball, which makes her feel youthful when she plays. Additionally, Hoda is a dedicated fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team.
Hoda Kotb’s net worth and salary
As of 2025, Hoda Kotb’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. She earns about $8 million annually as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show.