Hoda Kotb Prioritizes Home Life After Daughter Hope’s Illness

Hoda Kotb Prioritized Family Time After Daughter’s Illness

In a heartfelt revelation, Hoda Kotb expressed her desire to spend more time at home following her youngest daughter Hope’s health scare. An insider informed Closer Weekly that Hoda has been contemplating this change for some time, but it became more urgent after Hope was hospitalized last year. “She really evaluated her priorities after that incident,” the source stated. “It hit her hard that she needed to be present at home more often.”

In February 2023, the 60-year-old television host took a break from her role on Today after Hope experienced a serious health issue. Kotb shares her two daughters, Haley and Hope, with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Upon returning to the show in March, Hoda candidly updated viewers about Hope’s condition, revealing that her daughter had spent time in the ICU and was hospitalized for over a week. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am that she’s back home,” she shared with emotion. “We’ve been keeping a close watch on her, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Hoda acknowledged the incredible support she received from the medical staff during this tough time. “The doctors at Weill Cornell were simply amazing,” she expressed, emphasizing her gratitude for the nurses who provided care well beyond just medical treatments. In a touching moment, she recounted how a nurse’s simple act of comfort had a lasting impact on her during a late-night hospital visit.

During National Nurses Week, Hoda took the opportunity to honor the healthcare workers who played crucial roles in Hope’s recovery, sharing poignant memories from their hospital stay. “I recall sitting in a chair at 3 a.m. when one nurse walked in and just placed her hand on my back. That silent support meant everything,” Hoda reflected.

On September 26, during an episode of Today, Hoda announced her decision to step away from the show, citing her journey into motherhood later in life as a motivating factor. “Having kids at my age made me realize they deserve a larger share of my time,” she explained. While she will depart from her daily role in early 2025, Hoda plans to remain with the NBC network in another capacity, allowing her to balance her career with being a devoted mother.