Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb is an American television presenter and journalist best known as the co-anchor of NBC's flagship morning program, Today, and as a co-host of the newsmagazine Dateline NBC. She joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for the program and later gained widespread recognition as the co-host of the fourth hour of Today alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Kotb's career is marked by her empathetic interviewing style and her coverage of major events, including Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.

Early life and education

Hoda Kotb was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian parents, Abdel Kader Kotb and Sameha (née Choucri). Her family moved frequently during her childhood, living in states like Oklahoma, Iowa, and Michigan, before settling in Alexandria, Virginia. She attended Fort Hunt High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, where she was active in student government. Kotb pursued higher education at Virginia Tech, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications. Her early career began in local news, with her first job as a news assistant at CBS affiliate WWBT in Richmond, Virginia.

Career

Kotb's broadcasting career started in earnest at WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi, before she moved to larger markets, including WQAD-TV in Moline, Illinois, and WESH in Orlando, Florida. Her breakthrough came in 1998 when she joined NBC News as a correspondent for Dateline NBC, contributing to the program's coverage of significant stories like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. In 2007, she was named the co-host of the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford, a role that showcased her warm chemistry and led to high ratings. Following the departure of Matt Lauer in 2017, Kotb was named co-anchor of the main Today broadcast alongside Savannah Guthrie, making her one of the first Muslim-American women to anchor a major network morning show. She has also served as a fill-in anchor for NBC Nightly News and hosted specials like Hoda & Jenna.

Personal life

In 2007, Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy and breast reconstruction; she has since become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. She was in a long-term relationship with New York City financier Joel Schiffman from 2013 until their amicable separation in 2022. Kotb is the mother of two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, whom she adopted in 2017 and 2019, respectively. She has authored several books, including Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee and the children's book I've Loved You Since Forever, which debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Kotb has received numerous accolades for her journalism and broadcasting. She is a multiple Emmy Award winner, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program for her work on Today. In 2010, she was honored with the Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor from the Alliance for Women in Media. Kotb has also been recognized by institutions like Virginia Tech, which awarded her an honorary doctorate, and she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2018. Her contributions to television journalism earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Kotb is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly focusing on healthcare, children's welfare, and cancer research. She serves as a national ambassador for the American Cancer Society and has been a longtime supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Kotb actively participates in fundraising events for organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also advocates for adoption awareness and has worked with groups such as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Her charitable work extends to supporting military families through engagements with the USO and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Category:American television personalities Category:American journalists Category:NBC News people