Let me tell you a story about Hoda Kotb and her blended family. Before Hoda and Joel Schiffman parted ways, they created a beautiful family together. Joel was already a dad to his daughter, Kyle Schiffman, from a previous relationship when he met Hoda. Together, they adopted two more daughters, Haley Joy in 2017 and Hope Catherine in 2019. Their love story was one for the books—until life took a different turn.
Hoda and Joel's journey began in 2013 when they met at an event in New York City. They quickly became a couple, and their love grew stronger over the years. In 2017, they adopted their first daughter, Haley Joy, and then welcomed Hope Catherine into their lives in 2019. The couple got engaged in November 2019, but unfortunately, due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic, they postponed their wedding multiple times. In January 2022, Hoda announced their split on an episode of Today.
Even though their romantic relationship ended, Hoda spoke warmly about Joel, saying, “He’s a great guy. He’s a very kind and loving person, and I feel privileged to have spent eight years with him.” She reassured everyone that they were both moving forward positively, stating, “We are both good and we are both kind of going on our way and our path. We’ll be good parents to those two lovely kids.”
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Throughout the years, Hoda’s daughters, Haley and Hope, became beloved figures on Today. Before Hoda announced her departure from the show, she celebrated her final episode on January 10, 2025, with a heartwarming moment. Both Haley and Hope joined her on stage, along with Kermit the Frog, who serenaded the family with a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” a song that holds special meaning for Hoda and her girls. At the end of the episode, Hoda drove off with her daughters in their new minivan, symbolizing a new chapter in their lives.
A Day in the Life with Hoda Kotb’s Daughter Haley Joy
Haley Joy is truly her mother's mini-me. When Hoda welcomed Haley via adoption in 2017, she opened up to Closer about the joy of motherhood. “Motherhood is — it’s the best job I have ever had in my life, ever,” she said at the time. Hoda is thrilled she chose adoption because being a mother has been incredibly fulfilling. Once she decided to have a second child, she made sure to prepare Haley for her new role as a big sister. After Hope came along, Haley "adjusted incredibly well."
“There have been a lot of heart-to-hearts between Hoda and Haley, making sure she knows how special she is to them, and that Hope is an addition, not a replacement, which is something [Haley] could think if not handled the right way,” an insider told Closer in April 2019. Hoda ensures that Haley knows she will always receive all the love and attention she deserves, with the bonus of having a sister around as well.
Just like her mom, Haley has a heart of gold. Hoda shared a touching story about her daughter during a July 2022 episode of Today. After saving up her allowance, Haley bought an ice cream cone for a man named Mo who works at a local restaurant. “She took her money out of her Ziploc, and she got the biggest hug,” Hoda recalled. Afterwards, they sat down together—Hope, Haley, Hoda, and Mo—and he told Haley, “Do you know why this cone is extra special today?” Haley asked why, and he said, “Because it’s my birthday.”
In January 2025, Hoda shared photos from Haley’s 8th birthday on her Instagram account. She decorated the house for Haley’s special day and threw a fun birthday party at a bowling alley with all of her friends. Joel was also in attendance, according to the pictures. In March 2024, Hoda revealed on Today that she was moving into a new home with her daughters. “The girls are apparently excited, even though Haley was a little sad because she’s already made some close friends in school,” a source told Closer at the time. “Hope is only 4, so she’s ready for the adventure.”
After moving into their new home, Hoda and the girls have adjusted well to their new suburban neighborhood. “I want my kids to feel grass on their feet, and play in the yard, and ride bikes down the street, and run up and down the stairs,” she told People of the move. “I just see that life for them in this perfect house in this beautiful little town where I know they’ll be able to blossom into beautiful, independent, strong women.”
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Meet Hoda Kotb’s Little Angel, Hope Catherine
Hoda thought her life was complete until Hope Catherine came into the picture. “I feel like I’ve lived 54 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it, but if there’s a window or a moment in my life that has mattered more than anything, it’s right now,” she said while on maternity leave after her daughter’s birth. “I know it’s sort of weird that I’m taking this much time, but I just feel like, you know, sometimes you don’t know how much of your kids’ lives you’re going to be able to see. You just don’t know.”
“So, every day, we do the same thing, and it’s so dumb. Like, we have morning bubbles outside, we go to the muffin store and get a muffin, we burp Hope — it’s the same day,” she added. “But it’s awesome, it’s the most awesome day ever.”
