Hoda Kotb Thought It Was ‘Too Late’ to Become a Mom – Her 2 Beautiful Dark-Haired Daughters Stun Users Now

Broadcast journalist Hoda Kotb once thought it was “too late” for her to become a mom. However, she now proudly shares her life with two beautiful daughters, leaving behind a television show to focus on them.

Hoda, a beloved member of the NBC News family for nearly three decades, recently announced that she will be leaving the “Today” show early next year. Having started her journey at “Dateline,” Hoda later co-hosted the fourth hour of “Today” with Kathie Lee Gifford, and more recently with Jenna Bush Hager.

For the past five years, she has shared the anchor desk with Savannah Guthrie, creating memorable moments that have resonated with viewers nationwide. Hoda’s announcement to leave the “Today” show came after a reflection on her 60th birthday celebration in August 2024.

She tearfully shared how that milestone prompted a shift in her perspective. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she said, recalling how the outpouring of love during her birthday made her feel like she was at the “top of the wave.” This, she noted, felt like the perfect moment to make a significant change in her life.

A major factor in Hoda’s decision is her desire to be more present for her two young daughters. As she reflected, “Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have.” She emphasized the finite nature of time, expressing the importance of dedicating more of it to her children.

Despite the bittersweet emotions, she spoke through tears, admitting, “It’s kind of a big deal for me. I’ve been practicing so I wouldn’t cry, but anyway, I did.” Although Hoda will be stepping away from her co-anchoring role, she reassured fans that she will remain within the NBC family in a yet-to-be-specified capacity.

Her exist from the show paves the way for her continuous motherhood journey, which she has candidly talked about. During a June 2023 interview, Hoda openly discussed her initial fears about being a mother.

“I remembered never saying out loud that I wanted kids, never because it was too late. So, for girls who it’s oo late for, you don’t say it because if you say it, you’re expressing something that you’re never going to get,” Hoda advised.

In an editorial piece she wrote for Today in April 2018, the author reflected on how many of her blessings seemed to come later in life. She shared that at 30, she had been anxious about not being married or having children. When she did eventually marry, the relationship didn’t last as she had hoped.

Hoda became a first-time mom at 52 and recalled a conversation that changed her perspective. She had said to a friend, “Can you believe I’m 52 and I have a baby?” The friend replied, “That baby’s right on time.”

This response shifted Hoda’s outlook, leading her to believe that everything happens at the right moment. She realized that while effort is necessary in life, things unfold when they are meant to. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged, “Things happen right on time and when you’re ready — or at least when the universe is ready.”

Hoda marveled at how, at 53, she experienced emotions she had never felt before, stating that she couldn’t believe such joy was possible at this stage in her life. She now treasures motherhood in a way she doubts she would have if it had come earlier.

Hoda shared that building her life around her children has brought her more joy than she ever imagined. “Family to me is everything,” she confessed, adding that having a family of her own was something she never thought possible. Hoda admitted that she might have been too afraid to do it alone, acknowledging, though reluctantly, that this was the truth.

Hoda is now a single mom after ending her engagement with Joel Schiffman in January 2022. The couple had been together for six years and got engaged in November 2019. She explained that they had decided they were better as friends and co-parents than as an engaged couple.

Hoda and Joel share daughters Haley and Hope. The journalist first announced that she adopted her eldest child Haley back in February 2017 live on the “Today” show, stating she is the love of her life. Hoda, who revealed the newborn is a Valentine’s baby, later posted a photo of the mom and daughter duo on X (formerly known as Twitter) and captioned it, “My girl.”

The elated new parent also posted another picture on the platform, showing her holding her infant child’s little fingers. The post was accompanied by a message that alluded that she had been longing to have a child.

Hoda eagerly anticipated her daughter’s first words, but was surprised when Haley’s first utterance was “Bob.” In a March 2018 interview, she laughed, saying, “We don’t know who Bob is.” Hoda speculated it might be a mix of “bottle” and something else.

At two years old, Haley became a big sister when her mother adopted another child, daughter Hope in 2019. Hoda shared the proud moment she and Joel introduced Haley to her little sister on the “Today” show.

“She was literally marching around saying, “‘I’m a big sister!'” Hoda shared with her colleagues. She also revealed the significance of the newborn’s second name, Kathryn, sharing that she named her after her best friend.

In 2023, Hope, then three years old, faced a health scare that required time in the ICU and over a week in the hospital. While her famous mother Hoda has not disclosed specific details about the diagnosis, she described the experience as “really scary.”

After returning home, the family began the longer journey of managing Hope’s health. While Hoda chose not to disclose specifics about her daughter’s diagnosis, she shared that they are monitoring Hope around the clock to ensure her well-being.

Hoda once divulged that she openly talks to her daughters about their adoption, though she knows they may not fully grasp its meaning just yet. She explains it to them in simple terms, telling them, “You didn’t come from Mommy’s tummy, you came from my heart.”

When asked if any baby came from her tummy, Hoda honestly replies, “No, it didn’t,” and her daughters acknowledge that they are adopted. While the deeper discussions about adoption are still ahead, for now, the girls understand and embrace their story. She emphasized the positivity around adoption, even pointing out that their cousin Ella was adopted, telling them, “All the cool kids were adopted.”

As for the sibling bond, Hoda has praised her older daughter, Haley, for always thinking of her baby sister. “She’s protective,” Hoda once revealed, this bond between the sisters has been a source of comfort for the mom of two.

Hoda shared that her daughters have a strong bond, saying, “They’re in love.” She described how the two sisters enjoy simply hanging out together, showing the close connection they share.

The family of three currently resides in the suburbs, after moving in March from Hoda’s New York City apartment. “I want my kids to feel grass on their feet, and play in the yard, and ride bikes down the street, and run up and down the stairs,” the doting parent explained in an interview.

Hoda Kotb’s journey into motherhood has been filled with joy, challenges, and deep love for her two daughters. Her stories reflect the beauty of their bond and the strength she finds in their connection every day.