Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb has shared a poignant and deeply personal insight into the moment she realised her engagement to longtime partner Joel Schiffman was beyond repair. The beloved television personality, known for her warmth and candour, explained that a profound feeling of disconnect ultimately led to their separation after nearly eight years together.
The Pivotal Realisation
Kotb revealed that the decision wasn't born from a single explosive argument, but rather a quiet, undeniable realisation that "something wasn't right." She described a moment of clarity where she understood that continuing the relationship would be unfair to both of them. "It was one of those moments where you look at your life and you have to be brutally honest with yourself," she explained during the emotional interview.
A Partnership in the Public Eye
The couple, who began dating in 2013 and got engaged in 2019, were a fixture of supportive partnership, often speaking fondly of each other in interviews. Together, they adopted their two daughters, Haley and Hope. Their split in early 2022 came as a surprise to many of their fans, who had followed their journey.
Kotb emphasised that the love and respect between them remain, stating that their primary focus is on co-parenting their children. "We are a family, and that hasn't changed. Our family just looks a little different now," she said, highlighting their commitment to putting their daughters first.
Moving Forward with Hope
Since the breakup, Kotb has been open about the challenges of navigating life as a single mother while maintaining a high-profile career. She has spoken about the importance of gratitude and focusing on the blessings in her life, particularly her children and her supportive colleagues on the Today show.
Her willingness to discuss such a personal heartache resonates with many, turning her private pain into a public conversation about resilience and the courage it takes to choose happiness, even when it means walking a difficult path.
