Who is journalist, Hoda Kotb? She temporarily replaced Savannah Guthrie on the 'Today' show.
Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of the Today show, is returning today, April 6, 2026, amid her mom, Nancy’s disappearance. For the unversed, 84-year-old Nancy went missing on February 1, 2026 and was last seen on January 31, 2026, after her family dropped her off at her home in Tucson, Ariz. During that phase, Savannah stepped down from her position on the Today show.
While Savannah took a break to focus on her family, in February 2026, she was temporarily replaced by journalist, Hoda Kotb. Earlier, in January 2025, Hoda had stepped down from her role as the main co-anchor on the Today show. She rejoined the Today show in February 2026 and has not appeared on the show since March 27, 2026. Amid the speculation that Hoda may not appear on the March 6, 2026, episode to allow Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin’s anchor partnership, people have grown curious to know more about Hoda. Well, we’ve got you covered.
Hoda Kotb was born in 1964 in Norman, Oklahoma. She grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia and mainly in Alexandria, Virginia, to parents who immigrated to the United States from Egypt. Hoda and her family stayed in Egypt for one year when she was young. She has two siblings, Hala and Adel. In 2007, Hoda openly discussed the origin of her name on the Today show. She was quoted as saying:
"My parents were both born in Egypt. So my name Hoda, is so weird here, but in Egypt it's like Jane. I've walked down the streets in Cairo and someone yelled out 'Hoda!' and like 10 girls turned around. I'm literally the Jane Smith of the Nile."
In 1986, Hoda graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in broadcast journalism. During her college career, Hoda was a member and pledge trainer of the Delta Delta Delta women's sorority. After graduation, she landed her first on-air gig at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi. After moving to Moline, Illinois, Hoda worked as a reporter at WQAD from 1988 to 1989. She then became the weekend anchor and reporter at WINK in Florida. Later, she moved to New Orleans and worked at WWL for six years. It was her last local news job before her big break.
Hoda Kotb’s big break came while she was working in New Orleans. At the time, a vice president of NBC called Hoda up for an interview. In April 1998, Hoda officially joined the NBC News team as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and all the network's platforms. In September 2007, Hoda hosted the fourth hour of Today alongside Ann Curry and Natalie Morales for its first edition. Later, Kathie Lee Gifford replaced Ann and Natalie and became Hoda’s co-host. Together, the duo hosted the show for 11 years and established it as the most popular and important daytime TV show.
In 2018, Hoda Kotb became one of the co-anchors of Today with Savannah Guthrie. In May 2019, Hoda and Kathie won the Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding informative talk show host as the presenters of Today's fourth hour. From 2019 to January 2025, Hoda shared the fourth hour of the Today slot with NBC’s Jenna Bush Hager. After 18 years with Today, Hoda announced her departure from the fourth hour of Today in September 2024 and as the co-anchor of the Today show on January 10, 2025. Hoda wrote an emotional letter to the Today staff as she left the show, which can be read as:
"I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine."
In March 2007, Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hoda’s gynaecologist found a lump under her breast during a routine checkup. Following this, she underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to treat breast cancer. Hoda was married to Burzis Kanga, the former University of New Orleans tennis coach, from 2005 to 2008.
Later, Hoda got engaged to financier, Joel Schiffman in 2019. However, in January 2022, Hoda called off their engagement. She shares two children with her ex-fiance, Joel. The former couple adopted two children, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. In a 2022 interview with People, Hoda credited Joel and shared it was all because of him that she could adopt, Haley and Hope. She was quoted as saying:
"I have two incredible children I share with him. And it's because of Joel that I have Haley and Hope, without question. I think I might have been too afraid to do it alone."
What are your thoughts on Hoda Kotb's illustrious career? Let us know.
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