Hoda Kotb, born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, USA, is a renowned Egyptian-American television personality, broadcast journalist, and author. She is best known for her role as a co-anchor on NBC’s Today Show and as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Kotb has been a household name in American journalism and morning television. Her warmth, resilience, and relatable personality have made her one of the most beloved figures on screen.
In this article, we explore Hoda Kotb’s life, including her early years, career milestones, family, personal life, physical appearance, net worth, and lesser-known facts.
Hoda Kotb Short Details
| Full Name | Hoda Kotb |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Hoda Kotb |
| Profession | Journalist, TV Host, Author |
| Hometown | Norman, Oklahoma, USA |
| Nationality | Egyptian-American |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1964 |
| Age | 60 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Known For | Today Show, Dateline NBC |
Early Life
Hoda Kotb was born to Egyptian Muslim parents and spent her formative years in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. Her family briefly lived in Egypt and Nigeria, providing her with a diverse cultural upbringing. Hoda’s father, Abdel Kader Kotb, was a fossil energy specialist, and her mother, Sameha Kotb, worked at the Library of Congress. She has two siblings: Adel and Hala.
Kotb graduated from Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1982, where she was elected homecoming queen. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from Virginia Tech in 1986.
Career
Hoda Kotb began her journalism career as a news assistant at CBS News in Cairo, Egypt, before working as a reporter and anchor for various local stations in the U.S. Her big break came in 1998 when she joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
Key Milestones in Hoda Kotb’s Career:
- 1998: Joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
- 2007: Became the first host of Today Show’s fourth-hour segment.
- 2018: Named co-anchor of Today Show alongside Savannah Guthrie, becoming part of the first female anchor duo in the show’s history.
- 2024: Announced her departure from Today Show to focus on her family and personal projects, officially stepping down in January 2025.
In addition to her television career, Kotb is an accomplished author. She has written several New York Times bestselling books, including her autobiography, Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.
Awards and Recognition:
- Edward R. Murrow Award for journalism (2002).
- Peabody Award (2006).
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program (Today Show).
- Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2018).
Family and Personal Life
Hoda Kotb has been open about her personal life, which includes her marriages, relationships, and journey to motherhood.
Family Details
| Relationship | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Burzis Kanga (m. 2005; div. 2008) |
| Partner | Joel Schiffman (2013–2022) |
| Children | Haley Joy Kotb, Hope Catherine Kotb |
Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, in 2017 and her second daughter, Hope Catherine, in 2019. She has often described motherhood as the most fulfilling role of her life.
Physical Appearance
Hoda Kotb’s vibrant personality and elegant appearance have made her a familiar face on television screens for decades.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Hoda Kotb has amassed significant wealth through her illustrious career in journalism and television.
Net Worth Overview
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $35 million |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | NBC News anchor salary |
| Additional Income | Book royalties, speaking engagements |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Hoda Kotb’s name means “guidance” in Arabic.
- She played Metallica’s Enter Sandman during her Virginia Tech graduation speech.
- Hoda underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer in 2007 and has since become an advocate for cancer awareness.
- She made history as part of the first all-female anchor team on Today Show.
- Kotb is an accomplished children’s book author, with titles like I’ve Loved You Since Forever.
- She is fluent in Arabic and has a strong connection to her Egyptian heritage.
- Hoda appeared in cameos on popular shows like Law & Order: SVU and 30 Rock.
- She credits Kathie Lee Gifford for mentoring her and helping her transition to morning television.
- Her daughters were adopted late in her life, fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother.
- Hoda is developing a wellness company focusing on retreats and transformation.
FAQs
Q: When did Hoda Kotb join NBC News?
A: Hoda Kotb joined NBC News in 1998.
Q: What is Hoda Kotb’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is estimated to be around $35 million as of 2025.
Q: Does Hoda Kotb have children?
A: Yes, she has two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
Q: Why did Hoda Kotb leave the Today Show?
A: She left to focus on her family and personal projects.
Q: What are some books written by Hoda Kotb?
A: Some of her books include Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee and I’ve Loved You Since Forever.
Q: What awards has Hoda Kotb won?
A: She has won several awards, including a Peabody Award and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
Q: Where was Hoda Kotb born?
A: She was born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
Conclusion
Hoda Kotb’s journey from a small-town reporter to a celebrated television icon is a testament to her resilience and talent. With an impactful career in journalism, multiple bestselling books, and a deep commitment to family, she has inspired millions around the world. As she embarks on new adventures, Hoda’s legacy as a trailblazer in broadcast journalism remains unparalleled.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify details from reliable sources.
