Hoda Kotb, a prominent American television personality, author, and journalist, is widely known for her co-anchor role on NBC’s Today show. Beyond her captivating presence on television, Kotb’s personal life, including her marriage to Burzis Kanga, adoption of children, and her impressive career trajectory, have been of public interest. This article will delve into Hoda Kotb’s personal and professional life, focusing on her net worth, ex-husband Burzis Kanga, age, family, and her remarkable career journey.
Table of Contents
Who is Hoda Kotb?
Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hoda Kotb has become one of the most recognizable faces on American television. With Egyptian heritage, Kotb’s upbringing was shaped by both American and Middle Eastern influences, as she lived in various countries including Egypt and Nigeria before settling in the United States. This diverse cultural background helped her develop a global perspective, which has been reflected in her journalism.
Also read: Leslie Bryans Age, Husband, Net Worth, Career, Bio
As of 2024, Hoda Kotb is 60 years old and still a powerhouse in the media industry. After earning a degree in broadcast journalism from Virginia Tech in 1986, she spent years working her way up in local news before joining NBC, where she built a lasting career. In addition to her television career, she is an accomplished author, having written several bestselling books. Her fans, however, are just as curious about her personal life, especially after recent developments in her relationships and family life.
Also read: Alanna Gold Husband Adam Gold Net Worth, Age, Career
Hoda Kotb’s Family Background
Hoda Kotb was born to Egyptian parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha Kotb. Her father, Abdel, was a fossil energy specialist who worked around the world, and her mother worked at the Library of Congress. Hoda grew up in a family that valued education, hard work, and resilience. She has two siblings, a brother, Adel, and a sister, Hala.
Also read: Matthew Gaudreau Net Worth, Age, Height, Net Worth, Tragic Death
Throughout her career, Kotb has been open about how her family’s values shaped her work ethic and compassionate worldview. She often shares anecdotes about her childhood, including time spent in Egypt and Nigeria, which gave her an understanding of life from multiple cultural lenses. These experiences have certainly contributed to her success in engaging with diverse audiences across the globe.
Hoda Kotb’s Ex-Husband
One of the most significant chapters in Hoda Kotb’s personal life was her marriage to Burzis Kanga. The two first met at a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Their relationship blossomed, and after dating off and on for several years, they tied the knot in December 2005. Kotb described their early married life as filled with fun and adventure, enjoying everything from Broadway shows to quiet dinners in New York City.
Also read: Nabanita Nag Husband, Net Worth, Career
However, their marriage didn’t last long. Just three years later, in 2008, the couple divorced. Though Kotb has kept the details of their split private, she has alluded to it being a difficult time in her life. Reflecting on the divorce years later, she emphasized that the experience helped her grow and reevaluate her personal priorities. Burzis Kanga, a tennis coach by profession, has mostly stayed out of the public eye following their divorce.
Also read: Matthew Gaudreau Wife Madeline Gaudreau Age, Height, Career, Child
Hoda Kotb’s Engagement to Joel Schiffman
After her divorce from Burzis Kanga, Hoda Kotb found love again with financier Joel Schiffman, whom she began dating in 2013. Interestingly, Hoda shared in a 2015 interview that it was through a mutual friend that she first got in touch with Joel. After learning he was single, she sent him an email, and the two hit it off. They eventually moved in together in 2016, marking the start of their next chapter as a family.
Also read: Mattea Backus Age, Parents, Siblings, Social Media, Career
However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused them to delay their wedding plans multiple times, and in January 2022, Kotb shocked her fans by announcing that she and Joel had called off their engagement.
Hoda Kotb’s Children
Motherhood has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of Hoda Kotb’s life. After undergoing a public battle with breast cancer in 2007, which left her unable to conceive, Kotb made the decision to adopt. In 2017, she welcomed her first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, into her life through adoption, a moment she has often described as the greatest joy she has ever experienced.
Also read: Lamorne Morris Net Worth, Parents, Girlfriend, Age
Two years later, in 2019, she adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb. Kotb has shared openly about how becoming a mother later in life changed her perspective on everything. Her social media accounts are filled with heartwarming pictures and stories about her daughters, showing the close bond they share. Even after her split with Joel Schiffman, Kotb has maintained a strong focus on her family and is committed to raising her daughters in a loving, supportive environment.
Also read: Dinah Mattingly Age, Husband, Children, Bio, Career
Hoda Kotb’s Career
Hoda Kotb’s career in journalism began in local news, with her first job at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi. She then moved through various networks, building a strong foundation as an anchor and reporter. Her big break came when she joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, where she gained recognition for her ability to report on significant news events with depth and sensitivity.
Also read: Rich Homie Quan Wife Amber Nicole Williams “Rella” Age, Children, Mother, Bio
In 2008, Kotb took on a co-hosting role for the fourth hour of NBC’s Today alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, where the pair’s chemistry quickly made them fan favorites. When Gifford left the show in 2019, Kotb continued hosting the hour with Jenna Bush Hager. Her warm, engaging style and ability to connect with audiences helped her move into one of the most prestigious roles in television: co-anchor of Today’s main show, a position she assumed full-time in 2018.
Also read: Kelly Pegula Net Worth, Age, Parents, Sister
Hoda Kotb announced on September 26, 2024, that she would be stepping back from her daily role on Today, marking the end of a monumental chapter in her 26-year career at NBC. In her heartfelt message, Kotb reflected on her time at the network, describing it as the “longest professional love affair” of her life. Having spent a decade at Dateline, seven years co-hosting the fourth hour of Today, and 16 years on the main show, Kotb’s legacy at NBC is filled with cherished relationships and memorable experiences.
She emphasized how the decision to leave was not an easy one, but it was the right choice for her family. Kotb expressed her readiness for a new phase in life, focusing more on her daughters, Haley and Hope, and her mother. Even though she will continue working with NBC in a reduced capacity until early 2025, Kotb reassured her fans that her colleagues at Today would continue thriving with grace and resilience.
Also read: Chad Wingard Age, Bio, Fiancé
This decision marks a shift in her priorities as she looks forward to a decade focused on family, while her broadcast career, which has been incredibly meaningful, takes a backseat. Kotb acknowledged that leaving the show was painful but necessary, as her family deserves more of her time and energy moving forward.
Hoda Kotb’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Hoda Kotb has an estimated net worth of $35 million, a testament to her successful television career, book sales, and endorsement deals. Her annual salary for co-anchoring Today is reportedly around $8 million. Kotb’s wealth has also been bolstered by her numerous ventures as an author, with several of her books becoming bestsellers, including her memoir Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.
Also read: Tammy Reid (Andy Reid’s Wife) age, kids, bio
Kotb’s financial success is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout her career. Even as she steps back from the full-time responsibilities of hosting Today, her impact on journalism and television continues to be significant.
Also read: Tara Renee Schemansky Age, Net Worth, Son, Bio
Conclusion
Hoda Kotb’s life is a story of resilience, both professionally and personally. From her early career in local news to becoming one of America’s most beloved television personalities, Kotb has built an impressive legacy. Her personal journey, marked by her marriage to Burzis Kanga, her relationship with Joel Schiffman, and her experience with adoption, has only further endeared her to fans.
Also read: About Morgan Radford husband David Williams
At 60 years old, Kotb’s net worth stands at approximately $35 million, a reflection of her successful career. Though her focus has shifted toward family, she remains an influential figure in media and a role model to many. Whether it’s through her work or her heartwarming stories about her children, Hoda Kotb continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
Table Summary
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Hoda Kotb |
Date of Birth | August 9, 1964 |
Age (as of 2024) | 60 years old |
Place of Birth | Norman, Oklahoma, USA |
Nationality | American-Egyptian |
Education | Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Virginia Tech |
Career | Journalist, Television Host, Author |
Current Role | Co-anchor, NBC’s Today Show (stepping down in 2024 but remaining in a reduced role) |
First Major Break | Joining NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC |
Notable Achievements | First woman to permanently co-anchor NBC’s Today show, numerous Emmy Awards, bestselling author |
Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $35 million |
Annual Salary | Approximately $8 million |
Ex-Husband | Burzis Kanga (Married 2005, Divorced 2008) |
Former Fiancé | Joel Schiffman (Engaged 2019, Split 2022) |
Children | 2 daughters (Haley Joy Kotb, adopted 2017; Hope Catherine Kotb, adopted 2019) |
Adoption | Adopted both daughters after breast cancer treatments left her unable to conceive |
Books Authored | Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, I’ve Loved You Since Forever, and other bestselling titles |
Family Background | Daughter of Abdel Kader Kotb (fossil energy specialist) and Sameha Kotb (worked at Library of Congress); has two siblings, Adel and Hala |
Important Life Events | Divorce from Burzis Kanga (2008) Breast cancer survivor (2007) Adoption of two daughters, Split from Joel Schiffman (2022) Departure from Today Show (2024) |
FAQs
1. Is Hoda Kotb currently married?
No, Hoda Kotb is not married as of 2024. She was previously married to Burzis Kanga, whom she divorced in 2008. She was later engaged to Joel Schiffman, but they split in 2022 before getting married.
2. How many children does Hoda Kotb have?
Hoda Kotb has two daughters, Haley Joy Kotb (adopted in 2017) and Hope Catherine Kotb (adopted in 2019). Both were adopted after Hoda’s battle with breast cancer left her unable to conceive.
3. What is Hoda Kotb’s net worth?
As of 2024, Hoda Kotb’s estimated net worth is around $35 million. Her wealth comes from her successful career in television, her role on NBC’s Today show, and her ventures as an author.
4. Why did Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman break up?
Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman decided to part ways in January 2022, after being engaged since 2019. While they never married, they remain committed to co-parenting their two daughters, Haley and Hope.
5. When did Hoda Kotb announce her departure from the Today show?
Hoda Kotb announced her departure from her full-time co-anchor position on the Today show in September 2024. She plans to continue in a reduced role with NBC, focusing more on her family.