**Hoda Kotb, a beloved figure in American television, has captivated audiences for decades with her infectious optimism, genuine empathy, and remarkable resilience. From her early days in local news to her prominent role as co-anchor of NBC's Today Show, Hoda has always shared aspects of her life with an open heart, making her one of the most relatable personalities on air.** This transparency naturally extends to her personal life, particularly her journey through love and family. For many years, public interest revolved around one central question: "Who is Hoda Kotb engaged to?" This article delves into the details of her significant relationship, the engagement that captured headlines, and the path she has walked since. Hoda's life story is a testament to perseverance and finding joy, even through life's unexpected turns. Her decision to share her experiences, including the highs and lows of her romantic life, has resonated deeply with millions. This piece aims to provide a comprehensive look at her engagement, the man who was once her fiancé, and her current relationship status, all while honoring the privacy and dignity of her personal journey. **Table of Contents** 1. [Who is Hoda Kotb? A Brief Biography](#who-is-hoda-kotb-a-brief-biography) * [Early Life and Career Beginnings](#early-life-and-career-beginnings) * [Rise to Stardom at NBC News and Today Show](#rise-to-stardom-at-nbc-news-and-today-show) 2. [The Man Who Stole Her Heart: Joel Schiffman](#the-man-who-stole-her-heart-joel-schiffman) * [How Hoda and Joel Met](#how-hoda-and-joel-met) * [Building a Family: Haley Joy and Hope Catherine](#building-a-family-haley-joy-and-hope-catherine) 3. [The Proposal: A Moment of Pure Joy](#the-proposal-a-moment-of-pure-joy) 4. [The Wedding That Never Was: Postponements and Challenges](#the-wedding-that-never-was-postponements-and-challenges) 5. [The Uncoupling: Hoda and Joel's Separation](#the-uncoupling-hoda-and-joels-separation) 6. [Hoda Kotb's Personal Data and Career Milestones](#hoda-kotbs-personal-data-and-career-milestones) 7. [Life After Engagement: Hoda's Current Relationship Status](#life-after-engagement-hodas-current-relationship-status) 8. [Navigating Public Life and Private Matters](#navigating-public-life-and-private-matters) 9. [The Enduring Appeal of Hoda Kotb](#the-enduring-appeal-of-hoda-kotb) --- ## Who is Hoda Kotb? A Brief Biography Before diving into the specifics of her engagement, it's essential to understand the woman behind the headlines. Hoda Kotb's journey to becoming one of America's most beloved television personalities is a story of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of connection. Her career spans decades, marked by significant achievements and personal growth, all of which have shaped her unique perspective on life and love. ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in Norman, Oklahoma, and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Hoda Kotb's roots are in a vibrant Egyptian-American household. Her parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha Kotb, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. Hoda pursued her passion for communication, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from Virginia Tech in 1986. Her early career saw her working in various local news markets across the country, including stints in Mississippi, Illinois, and Florida. These formative years were crucial in honing her skills as a reporter and anchor, allowing her to cover a wide range of stories and connect with diverse communities. It was during this period that Hoda developed her signature empathetic interviewing style and her ability to bring warmth and authenticity to every story she told. ### Rise to Stardom at NBC News and Today Show Hoda Kotb joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for "Dateline NBC," where her investigative reporting earned her critical acclaim. However, it was her move to the "Today Show" in 2007 that truly cemented her status as a household name. Partnering with Kathie Lee Gifford for the fourth hour, "Today with Hoda & Jenna," their chemistry and unscripted banter created a unique and highly popular segment. This success eventually led to Hoda being named co-anchor of the main "Today Show" alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2018, a role she continues to excel in. Throughout her career, Hoda has been remarkably open about her personal challenges, including her battle with breast cancer in 2007. Her willingness to share her vulnerability and her journey of recovery has inspired countless individuals, solidifying her image as a beacon of hope and resilience. This openness also extended to her desire for a family and her eventual path to adoption, which became another deeply personal and public aspect of her life. ## The Man Who Stole Her Heart: Joel Schiffman For years, the question of "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to" was a prominent one among her fans. The answer, for a significant period, was Joel Schiffman. Joel, a financier by profession, entered Hoda's life at a time when she had largely given up on finding romantic love. Their relationship blossomed away from the initial glare of the public eye, built on a foundation of mutual respect, affection, and shared values. ### How Hoda and Joel Met Their love story began in 2013, in a rather unassuming setting. Hoda recounted meeting Joel at a corporate event for the financial industry, where she was signing copies of her book. She initially thought he was simply a fan, but their connection was immediate and undeniable. Hoda admitted to being hesitant about dating again after her previous marriage and health challenges, but Joel's genuine nature and quiet charm won her over. Their relationship progressed steadily, with Joel becoming a consistent and supportive presence in Hoda's life, eventually leading to the highly anticipated announcement of "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to." ### Building a Family: Haley Joy and Hope Catherine One of the most profound aspects of Hoda and Joel's relationship was their shared desire to build a family. Hoda had long expressed her wish to become a mother, and Joel fully embraced this dream. In 2017, they welcomed their first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, through adoption. Two years later, in 2019, they adopted their second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb. These adoptions were incredibly significant for Hoda, fulfilling a lifelong dream and bringing immense joy into her life. Joel was a loving and dedicated partner throughout this process, fully embracing his role as a father figure. Their journey to parenthood, openly shared by Hoda on the "Today Show," resonated deeply with many, showcasing the beautiful and diverse ways families can be formed. The presence of Haley and Hope solidified their bond, making their unit a true family before any formal engagement. ## The Proposal: A Moment of Pure Joy The question of "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to" was definitively answered in November 2019 when Hoda announced her engagement to Joel Schiffman live on the "Today Show." The proposal itself was a heartwarming and intimate moment that Hoda shared with her audience. Joel proposed during a romantic vacation in Mexico. Hoda described how they were enjoying dinner on the beach when Joel got down on one knee. She recounted her shock and immediate emotional response, saying she burst into tears before even saying "yes." The moment was made even more special by the fact that it was just the two of them, a private culmination of years of love and partnership. The news was met with widespread excitement and congratulations from her colleagues, friends, and millions of viewers who had followed her journey. This announcement was a joyous milestone, confirming the depth of their commitment and giving a clear answer to "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to." ## The Wedding That Never Was: Postponements and Challenges Following the joyous engagement announcement, plans for the wedding began to take shape. Hoda often spoke about her excitement for the big day, envisioning a relatively small, intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. However, like many couples around the world, their wedding plans were significantly impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The initial date they had chosen had to be postponed due to health and safety concerns. As the pandemic continued, further postponements became necessary. Hoda openly discussed the challenges of planning a wedding during such uncertain times, always prioritizing the health and well-being of their loved ones. While the delays were undoubtedly disappointing, Hoda maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that their love and family were what truly mattered, regardless of a wedding date. The pandemic unfortunately meant that the question of "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to" remained true, but the wedding itself never materialized. ## The Uncoupling: Hoda and Joel's Separation After years of partnership, an engagement, and building a beautiful family, Hoda Kotb announced in January 2022 that she and Joel Schiffman had decided to end their engagement and separate. She shared the news with her "Today Show" audience, explaining that while their romantic relationship had come to an end, their commitment to co-parenting their daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, remained paramount. Hoda spoke with her characteristic grace and honesty, acknowledging that while they had tried to make it work, they ultimately realized they were "better as friends and parents" than as an engaged couple. This decision, though difficult, was made with mutual respect and a focus on the well-being of their children. The announcement was met with understanding and support from her fans, who appreciated her candor during such a personal moment. This marked the end of the chapter where the answer to "who is Hoda Kotb engaged to" was Joel Schiffman. ## Hoda Kotb's Personal Data and Career Milestones To provide a comprehensive overview of Hoda Kotb's life, here is a table summarizing key personal data and career milestones: | Category | Detail
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