How Old Is Hoda Kotb? A Detailed Profile of the Today Show Icon in 2026

As of 2026, Hoda Kotb is 61 years old. Born on August 9, 1964, she will celebrate her 62nd birthday in late 2024. Although she transitioned away from her daily co-anchoring duties at the Today show in early 2025, she remains a definitive figure in the program's history and a beloved personality in American broadcast journalism.

Hoda Kotb’s age has often been a topic of public interest, not merely for the sake of trivia, but because her career trajectory serves as a blueprint for professional longevity and personal reinvention. Her journey from local news stations to the main anchor desk of NBC’s flagship morning program—and her subsequent choice to prioritize family in her early 60s—reflects a shifting narrative regarding age and success in the media industry. This article provides a comprehensive look at Hoda Kotb’s biography, her decades-long career at NBC, and her current status in 2026.

Early Life and the Foundations of a Career

Hoda Kotb was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia. Her parents, A.K. and Sameha Kotb, were of Egyptian descent, and Hoda has often spoken about her heritage and the cultural influences that shaped her upbringing. Her father was a fossil fuels specialist, and her mother worked at the Library of Congress.

Hoda’s interest in communication led her to Virginia Tech, where she graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism. During her time at Virginia Tech, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta women's sorority. Even at the age of 22, Kotb’s tenacity was evident; legendarily, she drove across the Southeast in a weathered car, visiting dozens of news stations to hand out her demo tape before finally landing her first job.

The Climb Through Local News (1986–1998)

Before becoming a household name on national television, Hoda spent over a decade honing her craft in local markets. These years were crucial in developing her signature warmth and reporting style:

• WXVT-TV (Greenville, Mississippi): Her first professional role.
• WQAD-TV (Moline, Illinois): Serving as a reporter.
• WTVP-TV (Fort Myers, Florida): Working as an anchor and reporter.
• WWL-TV (New Orleans, Louisiana): This was a pivotal period for Hoda, as she spent six years (1992–1998) as an anchor and reporter. Her connection to New Orleans remains a significant part of her public identity today.

The NBC News and Dateline Era

Hoda Kotb joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. At the age of 34, she moved into the world of national investigative journalism and long-form storytelling. For nearly a decade, she traveled the world, covering human interest stories, natural disasters, and breaking news.

Her work on Dateline earned her significant professional respect, including a Peabody Award in 2006 for the report "The Education of Ms. Groves" and an Edward R. Murrow Award. This period established her as a serious journalist, providing the foundation for her eventual move to the morning show format that would define the next two decades of her life.

The Evolution of Hoda on the Today Show

While Hoda was a respected correspondent, her mainstream celebrity status skyrocketed with the launch of the Today show’s fourth hour in 2007.

The Kathie Lee Gifford Years (2008–2019)

In 2008, Hoda was paired with Kathie Lee Gifford for the newly expanded 10:00 AM hour of Today. The duo became a cultural phenomenon, known for their "wine at 10 AM" segments, candid conversations, and infectious laughter. At age 44, Hoda found a new gear in her career—one that allowed her personality to shine alongside her journalistic skills. This era lasted eleven years and solidified Hoda’s place as a relatable, "everywoman" figure for millions of viewers.

Main Anchor Desk and Historical Milestone (2018–2025)

In early 2018, following the departure of Matt Lauer, Hoda Kotb was officially named co-anchor of the first two hours of Today, alongside Savannah Guthrie. This was a historic moment for NBC, as it marked the first all-female permanent anchoring duo in the show’s then 66-year history.

At age 53, Hoda stepped into one of the most high-pressure roles in American media. Her tenure was marked by a shift in the show's tone toward empathy and "light," a theme she championed through her "Morning Boost" segments and her podcast, Making Space. She remained in this role until her planned departure in early 2025.

Hoda Kotb’s Career Timeline and Age Milestones

The following table outlines the major milestones in Hoda Kotb’s life and career, correlated with her age at the time.

Health and Resilience: A Personal Journey

Hoda’s age and perspective have been deeply influenced by her health journey. In 2007, at the age of 42, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and has been cancer-free ever since.

This experience transformed her public persona. She became a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness and often interviewed survivors on air. Her "warrior" spirit, as her colleagues often describe it, became a source of inspiration for women navigating similar health crises in their 40s and 50s.

Parenting in Her 50s and 60s

One of the most widely discussed aspects of Hoda’s life is her journey into motherhood later in life. Hoda did not follow a traditional path to parenthood, which has made her a relatable figure for older parents and those considering adoption.

Adoption of Haley and Hope

In 2017, at age 52, Hoda announced the adoption of her daughter, Haley Joy. Two years later, in 2019, she adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine. Hoda has been remarkably transparent about the joys and challenges of being an "older" mom. She often discusses the perspective that age brings to parenting—specifically, a deeper sense of patience and a focus on what truly matters.

Her decision to leave the Today show in early 2025 was explicitly tied to her daughters. In her announcement, she stated that she wanted to be present for their childhood milestones, recognizing that her time with them is the most precious commodity she has as she enters her 60s.

Why Hoda Left the Today Show in 2025

In September 2024, shortly after her 60th birthday, Hoda announced she would be stepping down from her role at Today in early 2025. The decision sent shockwaves through the industry, as she was at the height of her popularity.

The "60" Reflection

Hoda explained that turning 60 was a significant "checkpoint" for her. She realized that the demanding schedule of morning television—which requires waking up in the very early hours of the morning (often 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM)—was taking away from her ability to be with her daughters during their formative years. By 2026, Hoda has successfully transitioned into this new phase of life, proving that a career "exit" can actually be a "pivot" toward personal fulfillment.

Impact on NBC

Her departure left a significant void in the Today lineup. Hoda’s chemistry with Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager was a primary driver of the show's consistent ratings. While she remained part of the NBC family in a diminished capacity for special projects, her daily presence is missed by millions who viewed her as a morning "friend."

Hoda Kotb’s Legacy and Future in 2026

In 2026, Hoda Kotb's legacy is defined by her authenticity. She broke barriers for female journalists, specifically for women of color and women over 50. She proved that an audience would embrace a news anchor who showed emotion, vulnerability, and humor.

Beyond television, Hoda is a prolific author. She has written several books, including:

• Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee
• Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives
• I've Loved You Since Forever (A children's book inspired by her daughter)
• Hope is a Rainbow

In 2026, she continues to focus on her podcasting and writing, using her platform to explore themes of resilience, spirituality, and the search for purpose.

Common Questions About Hoda Kotb

How old was Hoda when she started on the Today show?

Hoda Kotb was 43 years old when she began co-hosting the fourth hour of Today in 2008. While she had been with NBC since 1998, her daily "Today Show" persona truly began in her early 40s, proving that significant career shifts can happen well into one's professional life.

Is Hoda Kotb still on television in 2026?

While Hoda retired from her daily co-anchoring role on the Today show in early 2025, she still makes occasional appearances for special NBC events, Olympic coverage, or human-interest specials. In 2026, she is primarily focused on her personal life and independent media projects like her podcast.

What is Hoda Kotb's ethnic background?

Hoda Kotb is of Egyptian descent. Both of her parents were born in Egypt, and she spent time living in Egypt as a child during summer vacations. She has frequently expressed pride in her heritage and how it influenced her worldview.

Who replaced Hoda on the Today show?

Following her departure in early 2025, NBC transitioned the anchor desk to include a mix of established veterans and rising stars. While Savannah Guthrie remained the primary anchor, the network utilized a rotating cast of familiar faces like Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones to fill the vacancy, eventually naming a permanent successor later in the year.

How many children does Hoda Kotb have?

As of 2026, Hoda has two daughters: Haley Joy, adopted in 2017, and Hope Catherine, adopted in 2019. Her children were the primary reason she chose to step back from her full-time broadcasting career to spend more time at home.

Summary of Hoda Kotb’s Career Impact

Hoda Kotb’s career is a testament to the power of persistence and the willingness to evolve. At 61, she represents a generation of women who have redefined what it means to "have it all" by making conscious choices about when to lean into a career and when to lean into family. Her age is not a limitation but a source of the wisdom and warmth that made her one of the most successful broadcasters of her generation.

For fans wondering about her current status, Hoda remains active in the public eye through her writing and speaking engagements. Her journey from a young reporter in Mississippi to a national icon reminds us that the numbers on a birth certificate are far less important than the energy and heart brought to the work.