• Faith: Christian
• Career: TV Personality
• Birthday:  August 09, 1964

Hoda Kotb is a journalist, television personality, and author perhaps best known for her work on NBC's "Today" show where she served as co-anchor from 2017 to 2024.

Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hoda Kotb was raised in a close-knit, Egyptian-American family. Her parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha Kotb, emigrated from Egypt to the United States in the 1950s. Abdel, a fossil energy specialist, and Sameha, a librarian, instilled in Hoda and her siblings a strong sense of cultural pride, discipline, and the importance of education.

Kotb's early years were spent moving around the United States, as her father's career took the family to various cities, including Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. Despite the challenges of frequent relocations, Kotb thrived academically and socially. She attended Fort Hunt High School in Virginia, where she was active in extracurricular activities and quickly made a name for herself as an engaging and energetic student.

Her Egyptian heritage was a source of both pride and challenge for Kotb. While she embraced her cultural roots, she also experienced moments of feeling different from her peers. These experiences would later shape her empathetic approach to storytelling and journalism, helping her connect with audiences from all walks of life.

Hoda Kotb's journey into journalism began during her time at Virginia Tech, where she majored in broadcast journalism. Although she initially faced rejection when applying for jobs after graduation, Kotb's determination never wavered. Armed with resilience, she embarked on a journey across the country, visiting multiple news stations in search of an opportunity.

Finally, Kotb landed her first job as a news assistant in Greenville, Mississippi. It was a humble beginning, but it marked the start of a remarkable career. She moved from one small station to another, working her way up through the ranks. Her early experiences in local news taught her the value of persistence and hard work.

In 1998, Kotb joined NBC News as a correspondent for "Dateline NBC." Over the next several years, she covered a wide range of stories, from human interest pieces to major international events. Her work took her to war zones, disaster areas, and remote regions of the world, where she demonstrated both courage and compassion.

Kotb's career reached new heights in 2008 when she became a co-host of the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. The pairing of Kotb and Gifford quickly became a hit, with their lively and candid conversations resonating with viewers. The duo created a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and honesty, making the fourth hour a must-watch for millions of Americans.

In 2017, Kotb was named co-anchor of the flagship "Today" show, alongside Savannah Guthrie, following the departure of Matt Lauer. Kotb's promotion was a historic moment for the network, as she became the first Egyptian-American woman to hold such a prominent position in American morning television. Her steady and comforting presence on the show earned her widespread praise, particularly during challenging moments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through her years on "Today," Kotb has interviewed countless celebrities, political figures, and everyday heroes.

On September 26, 2024, Kotb announced that she was stepping down as co-anchor of "Today" to pursue other opportunities.

Hoda Kotb's personal life has been marked by both heartache and joy. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis came as a shock, but Kotb approached it with the same resilience she had shown throughout her career. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, sharing her journey with the public to raise awareness about breast cancer and inspire others facing similar battles.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of cancer, Kotb emerged stronger than ever, embracing life with renewed vigor. Her experience with the disease also deepened her appreciation for family, health, and the preciousness of each day.

In 2017, Kotb's life took a joyful turn when she adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy. Two years later, she adopted a second daughter, Hope Catherine. As a single mother, Kotb has often spoken about the profound love and fulfillment she feels in her role as a parent. She credits her daughters with teaching her patience, humility, and the importance of unconditional love.

Kotb has also been open about her relationship with longtime boyfriend Joel Schiffman, a financier, whom she became engaged to in 2019. The couple had planned to marry but ultimately called off their engagement in early 2022, deciding to remain friends and co-parents. Despite the change in their relationship, Kotb continues to prioritize her children and speaks with gratitude for the support system she has built around her.

Throughout her life, Hoda Kotb's Christian faith has been a source of strength, comfort, and guidance. Raised in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, she often speaks about the importance of prayer and her belief in God's plan, particularly during the most challenging moments of her life.

Kotb has credited her faith with helping her navigate difficult personal trials, such as her battle with cancer and her journey to motherhood. She has shared in interviews that she prays daily, expressing gratitude for the blessings in her life and seeking guidance when faced with uncertainty.

In addition to her personal practice of faith, Kotb has also used her platform to share messages of hope and inspiration with her audience. She frequently incorporates stories of resilience, compassion, and kindness into her reporting, reflecting her belief in the power of love and faith to overcome obstacles.