By Hoda Kotb, the beloved television personality, journalist, and author, has become a household name through her role as co-anchor on NBC’s Today show. With her radiant smile, relatable persona, and dedication to the craft of journalism, Kotb has garnered an immense following. But beyond her professional achievements, one of the frequent questions fans and viewers often wonder is: How old is Hoda Kotb?
In this article, we’ll explore Hoda Kotb’s age, along with a deep dive into her life, career, personal challenges, and triumphs.
Early Life and Background
Hoda Kotb was born on August 9, 1964, which makes her 60 years old as of 2024. Born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian parents, Kotb’s upbringing was deeply influenced by her cultural heritage. Her family relocated often during her early years, living in various states in the U.S. and countries such as Egypt and Nigeria. These early experiences in different cultures helped shape her worldview, giving her a unique perspective that she would later bring to her journalism career.
Hoda is proud of her Egyptian heritage and has often spoken about her close-knit family and the values they instilled in her. Her parents, Sameha and Abdel Kader Kotb, were strong influences. Her father was a fossil energy specialist and her mother worked in the Library of Congress. Hoda’s education and upbringing were rooted in academic and intellectual rigor, but also in compassion and understanding — traits she later brought to her career in journalism.
Education and Early Career
Kotb attended Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she participated in the school’s choir and was active in various student organizations. After high school, she pursued a degree in broadcast journalism at Virginia Tech. Graduating in 1986, she began her career in the media industry almost immediately after.
Her first job was at a local CBS affiliate in Greenville, Mississippi, where she worked as a news assistant. As she honed her skills in reporting and broadcasting, Kotb worked in several other local television stations, including in Illinois and Florida. These years were instrumental in developing her distinctive reporting style, which combined warmth, intelligence, and an easy rapport with viewers.
The Big Break: Joining NBC and Today
In 1998, Kotb’s career reached a significant milestone when she joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Her investigative work, often focusing on human interest stories and profiles, set her apart from other reporters. Over the next decade, she established herself as a trusted figure in television news, covering major events such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other international stories.
In 2008, Kotb transitioned to a more prominent role in the Today show, co-hosting the fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. The segment, characterized by its light-hearted tone, informal conversations, and regular use of humor, was a stark departure from traditional news broadcasting. Hoda’s chemistry with Kathie Lee, combined with her warm and approachable personality, quickly won over audiences. Over the years, the fourth hour became a staple of the Today show, and Kotb’s star continued to rise.
In 2017, she made history when she was named co-anchor of the Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie, following Matt Lauer’s departure. With this, Hoda became the first Egyptian-American and one of the few women of color to hold such a prestigious position in morning television. This promotion was not only a recognition of her skill as a journalist but also a testament to her ability to connect with millions of viewers daily.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Family
Though Hoda Kotb’s career has been filled with success, her personal life has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a life-altering event that she openly discussed with the public. Her decision to share her experience with her audience allowed her to become an advocate for breast cancer awareness. She has often credited the support of her family, friends, and her faith for helping her through the difficult period.
Her cancer battle also played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective on life and her desire to become a mother. In a twist of fate, at age 52, Kotb welcomed her first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, through adoption in 2017. Two years later, she adopted a second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb. Hoda has been incredibly open about her journey to motherhood, often discussing the joys and challenges of raising her daughters as a single parent. She has described motherhood as one of the greatest blessings of her life, and her daughters remain central to her personal narrative.
In her romantic life, Kotb was previously married to Burzis Kanga, a former University of New Orleans tennis coach, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2008. However, in 2013, she met Joel Schiffman, a New York financier. The couple got engaged in 2019 after years of dating, but in 2022, they announced their amicable separation. Despite the challenges in her personal life, Kotb has consistently maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of love, family, and resilience.
Aging Gracefully and Embracing Life at 60
As Hoda Kotb turned 60 in 2024, she continues to be an inspiration for many who watch her on Today. Her journey through life — from battling cancer to embracing motherhood later in life — serves as a reminder that age is just a number. In interviews, Kotb has often spoken about aging and how she views getting older as an opportunity to embrace new experiences rather than dwell on the passing years.
Hoda’s approach to aging gracefully has made her a role model for many women, especially those who are navigating midlife. She has shared that reaching milestones, such as turning 60, has been filled with gratitude. She remains focused on her daughters, her career, and her health, stating that the challenges she’s faced have only made her stronger and more appreciative of the present moment.
In 2020, when she turned 56, Kotb reflected on her life by stating that she felt better than she did in her 30s, not only in terms of physical health but also in terms of mental well-being. Her outlook on aging, combined with her down-to-earth personality, continues to resonate with viewers who admire her authenticity and openness about her life experiences.
Achievements and Legacy
Throughout her career, Hoda Kotb has received numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards for her work in broadcasting. In addition to her television career, Kotb is a best-selling author. Her memoirs, such as Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, and her inspiring children’s books, have touched the lives of many readers. Her ability to weave personal stories with universal themes of perseverance, love, and hope is a testament to her storytelling skills.
Her legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments. As a woman of Egyptian descent, she has broken barriers in the television industry, paving the way for more diversity in media. Her candidness about personal struggles, such as her battle with cancer and her experience with adoption, has inspired countless individuals to confront their own challenges with courage.
Conclusion
At 60 years old, Hoda Kotb stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience. Her life’s journey — from a young woman with dreams of becoming a journalist to one of the most recognizable faces on American television — is nothing short of remarkable. Through her determination, warmth, and wisdom, Kotb has proven that age is not a limitation but an opportunity to grow, inspire, and continue pursuing one’s passions. Whether she is reporting the news, sharing her personal struggles, or raising her two daughters, Hoda Kotb continues to capture the hearts of millions with her enduring spirit and grace.
