“Life is a series of moments—some joyful, some painful—but all worth living.” — Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, best known as co‑anchor of NBC’s Today show and co‑host of its fourth hour, Hoda & Jenna. She previously served as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and has become one of the most beloved figures in morning television. A breast cancer survivor, Kotb is admired for her resilience, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Born August 9 in Norman, Oklahoma |
| Childhood | Raised in West Virginia and Virginia; lived in Egypt and Nigeria |
| 1986 | Graduated from Virginia Tech with B.A. in Broadcast Journalism |
| 1986–1992 | Reporter/anchor at local stations in Mississippi, Illinois, Florida, and Louisiana |
| 1998 | Joined NBC News as Dateline NBC correspondent |
| 2007 | Became co‑host of Today’s fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford |
| 2018 | Named co‑anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie |
| 2025 | Announced departure from Today to spend more time with family |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hoda Kotb |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Norman, Oklahoma, USA |
| Nationality | American (Egyptian heritage) |
| Ethnicity | Egyptian‑American |
| Age | 62 years (as of 2026) |
| Hair | Blonde |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | Virginia Tech – B.A. Broadcast Journalism |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, TV Personality |
| Employer | NBC News |
| Residence | New York City |
| Years Active | 1986–Present |
| Spouse | Burzis Kanga (m. 2005; div. 2008) |
| Partner | Joel Schiffman (2013–2022) |
| Children | 2 daughters (Haley Joy, Hope Catherine) |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Award, Edward R. Murrow Award, Peabody Award |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30–35 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
Hoda Kotb was born to Egyptian parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha (“Sami”). Her father was a fossil energy specialist, and her mother worked at the Library of Congress. She has a brother, Adel, and a sister, Hala.
Early Life & Education
Kotb grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. She also spent time living in Egypt and Nigeria during her childhood. At Virginia Tech, she was active in student life, elected homecoming queen, and graduated in 1986 with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Career Journey
Kotb began her career at local stations in Mississippi, Illinois, Florida, and Louisiana before joining NBC News in 1998 as a Dateline NBC correspondent. She gained recognition for her investigative reporting and human‑interest stories.
In 2007, she became co‑host of Today’s fourth hour, initially alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager. In 2018, she was promoted to co‑anchor of Today, making history as part of the first all‑female anchor team with Savannah Guthrie.
In 2025, Kotb announced her departure from Today to spend more time with her daughters, though she continues to work with NBC in other capacities.
Major Works
- Dateline NBC (1998–2008)
- Today show co‑anchor (2018–2025)
- Hoda & Jenna (2007–2025)
- Books: Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee; Ten Years Later; I Really Needed This Today
Awards & Recognition
- Daytime Emmy Award for Today
- Edward R. Murrow Award for journalism
- Peabody Award for Dateline NBC reporting
Public Persona & Style
Hoda Kotb is known for:
- Warm, empathetic on‑air presence
- Courage in sharing her breast cancer journey
- Ability to balance serious journalism with lighthearted entertainment
- Inspirational writing and motivational speaking
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Kotb lives in New York City with her two daughters. She is admired for her openness about late motherhood, her advocacy for cancer awareness, and her commitment to family.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $30–35 million, primarily from her career in broadcasting, book sales, and speaking engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hoda Kotb? She is a journalist, author, and former co‑anchor of NBC’s Today show.
What health challenges has she faced? She is a breast cancer survivor.
Is Hoda Kotb married? She was married to Burzis Kanga (2005–2008) and later partnered with Joel Schiffman (2013–2022).
Does she have children? Yes, two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
What is her net worth? Estimated between $30–35 million.
Related Figures
- Savannah Guthrie Biography
- Kathie Lee Gifford Biography
- Jenna Bush Hager Biography
- Al Roker Biography
- Craig Melvin Biography
Legacy
Hoda Kotb’s legacy lies in her trailblazing role as one of the first women to co‑anchor NBC’s Today show, her resilience as a cancer survivor, and her ability to inspire millions with her warmth, authenticity, and storytelling.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Biography.com
- NBC News archives
Interesting Facts
- First Egyptian‑American woman to anchor Today.
- Featured in Martina McBride’s music video “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
- Known for her love of music, especially Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
- Delivered Virginia Tech’s 2008 commencement speech.
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