Hoda Kotb, 59, Finally Goes on Her First Date in 2 Years after Split from Ex-fiancé

Hoda Kotb spent the month of March sharing exciting news with various audiences. However, her news has left many of her fans shocked and confused as they thought she was still in a happy relationship. Many fans shared their thoughts on social media.

The landscape of love and hope is shining a little brighter for “Today” show host 59-year-old Hoda Kotb, who recently ventured back into the dating scene after a two-year hiatus. Kotb, who had previously ended her engagement to Joel Schiffman in January 2022, shared her experiences with re-entering the world of dating, a journey marked by both excitement and a fresh perspective on life and love.

In early March, Kotb first disclosed to Kelly Clarkson that she had gone on a date, her first in two years, emphasizing that it was merely a step towards rediscovering companionship without the pressure of immediate romance. Kotb stressed the casual nature of the outing. Her approach to dating is simple: an opportunity to dress up, step out, and enjoy time outside of her responsibilities as a mother and a professional. She shared this perspective with Jenna Bush Hager days after her interview with Clarkson.

Kotb’s dating revelation sparked curiosity and confusion among fans, leading to an outpouring of support and speculation. “What happened to Hoda’s guy??? They were deeply in love!!!!” one fan queried, reflecting on her past relationship with Schiffman. Another fan wondered: “What happened to the man she lived with?” One more expressed confidence in Kotb’s allure, stating that she was a catch and that any man would be lucky to have her.

Further delving into her dating life, Kotb revealed to ET’s Rachel Smith that she had not only gone on a first date but had already embarked on a second, with a third planned. The connection with her new acquaintance was facilitated by her colleague and friend, Hager, who Kotb praised for her matchmaking efforts. “Jenna is like, ‘How did I do?’ because she wants to go to Heaven. Apparently, if you match three people up [you get to go],” Kotb joked, showcasing her trademark humor and positivity.

Reflecting on her split from Schiffman and her outlook on life, Kotb shared her philosophy of “repotting” — embracing change and growth at every stage of life. “Life is beautiful. Try things, go out, get out of your house and your apartment. I feel like life is meant to be experienced and [you should] step out into it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of love in its many forms, from the joy of new relationships to the pleasures found in the everyday.

When Kotb announced the end of her engagement to Schiffman, she shared that she believed their relationship was meant to last only for a season and that they were better as co-parents and friends than they were as a romantic couple. She affirmed that they both remained dedicated to being wonderful parents.

Kotb’s journey is also deeply intertwined with her role as a mother to her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Following her youngest daughter’s health scare, Kotb was inspired to write her latest children’s book, “Hope Is a Rainbow,” a testament to the enduring power of hope and the strength of family bonds. Her dedication to her children is evident in her daily routines and the joy she finds in their presence.