History of Hoda Kotb in Timeline
"Hoda Kotb is a well-known American journalist and TV personality. She is recognized for her role as a main co-anchor on NBC's Today show, particularly its fourth hour, which focuses on entertainment. Prior to her current position, she served as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, showcasing her experience in television news."
1932: Birth of Abdel Kader Kotb
In 1932, Hoda Kotb's father, Abdel Kader Kotb, a future fossil energy specialist, was born.
August 9, 1964: Hoda Kotb is born
On August 9, 1964, Hoda Kotb, future broadcast journalist, television personality, and author, was born.
1982: Hoda Kotb graduates high school
Hoda Kotb graduated from Fort Hunt High School in 1982, where she was elected homecoming queen and gave the baccalaureate speech.
1985: Death of Abdel Kader Kotb
In 1985, Hoda Kotb's father, Abdel Kader Kotb, passed away at the age of 52.
1986: Hoda Kotb earns degree in broadcast journalism
In 1986, Hoda Kotb graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism.
1988: Hoda Kotb starts at WQAD
Hoda Kotb began working as a reporter for ABC affiliate WQAD in Moline, Illinois, in 1988.
1989: Hoda Kotb moves to WINK
Hoda Kotb moved to CBS affiliate WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, in 1989, working as a weekend anchor and reporter.
1991: Hoda Kotb's time at WINK ends
In 1991, Hoda Kotb's time at CBS affiliate WINK in Fort Myers, Florida, came to an end.
1992: Hoda Kotb begins role at WWL
Hoda Kotb began working as an anchor and reporter for CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1992.
April 1998: Hoda Kotb Joins NBC News
Hoda Kotb officially joined NBC News in April 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and all NBC News platforms.
1998: Hoda Kotb's time at WWL ends
Hoda Kotb's time as an anchor and reporter for CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans, Louisiana, concluded in 1998.
2002: Hoda Kotb wins Edward R. Murrow Award
Hoda Kotb received the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for her reporting.
2003: Hoda Kotb receives her first Gracie Award
Hoda Kotb won her first Gracie Award in 2003.
2004: Hoda Kotb wins Headliner Award
Hoda Kotb was awarded a Headliner Award in 2004 for her work on Dateline NBC's "Saving Dane – Adoptees Rage".
2005: Hoda Kotb marries Burzis Kanga
Hoda Kotb married University of New Orleans tennis coach Burzis Kanga in 2005.
2006: Hoda Kotb wins Peabody Award
Hoda Kotb won a Peabody Award in 2006 for her work on Dateline NBC's "The Education of Ms. Groves."
March 2007: Breast Cancer Battle and Advocacy
In March 2007, Hoda Kotb bravely underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer. Allowing Today cameras to document her journey, she became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing her story to raise awareness and support for others.
September 2007: Hoda Kotb becomes first host of Today's fourth hour
Hoda Kotb became the first host of Today's inaugural fourth-hour weekday morning broadcast at 10:00 a.m. in September 2007.
2007: Hoda Kotb wins second Headliner Award
Hoda Kotb received her second Headliner Award in 2007 for "The Education of Ms. Groves," which aired on Dateline NBC.
April 2008: Kathie Lee Gifford joins Today's fourth hour
In April 2008, Kathie Lee Gifford joined Hoda Kotb as co-host on the fourth hour of Today.
2008: Hoda Kotb and Burzis Kanga divorce
Hoda Kotb and Burzis Kanga divorced in 2008.
2008: Hoda Kotb delivers commencement address at Virginia Tech
Hoda Kotb delivered the keynote speech at her alma mater, Virginia Tech's graduation ceremony, in 2008. Notably, she played Metallica's "Enter Sandman" on her iPod during her speech.
2008: Hoda Kotb receives her second Gracie Award
Hoda Kotb was honored with her second Gracie Award in 2008.
2008: Hoda Kotb wins Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award
In 2008, Hoda Kotb received the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for her work on "The Education of Ms. Groves," a Dateline NBC episode.
October 2010: Hoda Kotb publishes first book
In October 2010, Hoda Kotb released her autobiography, "Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee," which became a New York Times bestseller.
2010: Today wins Daytime Emmy Award
The Today show, with Hoda Kotb as part of the morning host lineup, won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program in 2010.
2010: Hoda Kotb elected to Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board
Hoda Kotb was elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2010.
2011: Today wins second consecutive Daytime Emmy Award
Today, with Hoda Kotb as part of the hosting team, received its second consecutive Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program in 2011.
2011: Hoda Kotb appears in Martina McBride's Music Video
In 2011, Hoda Kotb was featured in Martina McBride's music video for "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," a ballad dedicated to cancer survivors.
2012: Today wins third consecutive Daytime Emmy Award
For the third consecutive year, Today, featuring Hoda Kotb on the hosting panel, won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program in 2012.
January 15, 2013: Hoda Kotb publishes second book, "Ten Years Later"
Hoda Kotb released her second book, "Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives," on January 15, 2013. The book chronicles the stories of six individuals, focusing on a life-altering event in each of their lives and revisiting them a decade later.
2013: Relationship with Joel Schiffman
Hoda Kotb began her relationship with New York financier Joel Schiffman in 2013.
February 23, 2015: Hoda Kotb starts Sirius XM show
On February 23, 2015, Hoda Kotb started hosting a live, one-hour show twice a week on Sirius XM's Today channel.
2015: Hoda Kotb Wins Webby and Gracie Award
Hoda Kotb won a Webby Award for Online Film & Video – Public Service & Activism in 2015 for her music video, "Truly Brave." She created the video in collaboration with Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. That same year, she also received a Gracie Award for Outstanding Host in News/Non-fiction.
2016: Hoda Kotb receives Gracie Award for SiriusXM show
Hoda Kotb was honored with a Gracie Award for Outstanding Host in Entertainment/Information in 2016 for her SiriusXM show.
2016: Hoda Kotb publishes "Where They Belong"
In 2016, Hoda Kotb published her third book, "Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made." The book showcases a collection of stories about inspiring individuals who found their paths in unexpected moments or circumstances.
February 21, 2017: Daughter Haley's Adoption
On February 21, 2017, Hoda Kotb joyously announced on the Today show the adoption of her first daughter, Haley Joy Kotb.
November 29, 2017: Matt Lauer fired from NBC
Matt Lauer was fired from NBC News on November 29, 2017, after accusations of sexual misconduct.
January 2, 2018: Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie become co-anchors of Today
Following Matt Lauer's termination from NBC News due to sexual misconduct allegations, Hoda Kotb was named co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie on January 2, 2018. They had been serving as interim co-anchors since Lauer's departure in November 2017, marking the first female anchor duo to lead the show.
2018: Hoda Kotb named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Hoda Kotb was featured in Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2018.
2018: Hoda Kotb publishes first children's book
Hoda Kotb's first children's book and her fourth book overall, "I've Loved You Since Forever," was released in 2018. The book was later adapted into a lullaby by Kelly Clarkson.
March 2019: Hoda Kotb publishes second children's book
In March 2019, Hoda Kotb released "You Are My Happy," her fifth book overall and second children's book, celebrating the things in life that bring gratitude.
April 2019: Jenna Bush Hager succeeds Kathie Lee Gifford on Today
Following Kathie Lee Gifford's departure from Today, Jenna Bush Hager took over as co-host alongside Hoda Kotb in April 2019.
April 16, 2019: Daughter Hope's Adoption
On April 16, 2019, Hoda Kotb shared the wonderful news via phone on the Today show that she had adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine Kotb.
October 2019: Hoda Kotb releases "I Really Needed This Today"
Hoda Kotb released her sixth book, "I Really Needed This Today," in October 2019. The book comprises personal notes about her experiences and relationships, a collection of quotes, and 365 sayings intended to inspire and uplift readers.
November 25, 2019: Engagement to Joel Schiffman
Hoda Kotb delighted fans by announcing her engagement to New York financier Joel Schiffman live on the Today show on November 25, 2019.
2019: Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford win Daytime Emmy Award
Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford were jointly awarded a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host in 2019 for their time as co-hosts on Today.
October 2020: Hoda Kotb releases "This Just Speaks to Me"
In October 2020, Hoda Kotb released "This Just Speaks to Me," a follow-up to her previous book. This book expands on her daily reflections and includes more personal anecdotes and quotes.
October 2021: Hoda Kotb receives Matrix Award
Hoda Kotb was honored with the Matrix Award in October 2021.
January 31, 2022: Separation from Joel Schiffman
On January 31, 2022, during an episode of Hoda & Jenna on the Today show, Hoda Kotb revealed that she and Joel Schiffman had ended their engagement. She shared their decision to focus on co-parenting their daughters as friends.
September 26, 2024: Hoda Kotb announces departure from Today
Hoda Kotb announced on September 26, 2024, that she was stepping down as co-anchor of Today to pursue other opportunities. She confirmed she would stay with NBC News, though her new role remained unclear.