Hoda Kotb Shares Heartfelt Details About Balancing Family And Career Ahead Of Paris Olympics

Hoda Kotb’s Journey to Paris for the Olympics

It’s not every day that Hoda Kotb gets to travel the world to cover one of the biggest events in sports, but this summer, she's heading to Paris for the Olympics. The beloved Today show host is beyond excited for the opportunity to bring her audience all the excitement from France. However, Hoda, who is a devoted mom to her two daughters, Haley and Hope, admitted it won’t be easy being away from them.

On a recent episode of Today, Hoda opened up about how she plans to make sure her daughters feel connected to her while she's away. “I have a little trick that I do,” Hoda shared with a warm smile. “Every day, I hide something small for them—stickers, hair ties, little surprises. It’s like a scavenger hunt, and it helps them count down the days until I’m home. It’s my way of staying present, even when I’m miles away.”

A Team Effort: Prepping for the Trip

Hoda isn’t going to Paris alone—she’ll be joined by some familiar faces from Today, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. Together, they’ll bring viewers an unforgettable experience as they cover the games from July 26 to August 11. As for who will take care of Haley and Hope while she’s away, Hoda didn’t reveal specifics but shared that she’s confident in her support system.

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“I’m lucky to have a great co-parenting relationship with Joel,” Hoda mentioned, referring to her former fiancé and father of her daughters. “He’s an amazing dad, and we work together to ensure the girls are happy and supported no matter what. He’ll have his weekends, I’ll have mine, and it all balances out.”

When it comes to preparing for the trip, Hoda admitted there’s a lot to think about. “You know, before you get on a plane, you have to do all those little things,” she said. “I’m getting my nails done, buying an outlet converter, and making sure I have the right clothes. I don’t want to be unprepared!”

Jenna Bush Hager Steps In to Help

Hoda wasn’t alone in her packing process. Her co-star Jenna Bush Hager came to the rescue, helping her select the perfect wardrobe for the trip. “I told Jenna, ‘I don’t know if I have the right clothes,’” Hoda recalled. “And she was like, ‘Leave it to me.’ Within 15 minutes, I went upstairs, and there it was—this beautiful collection of Americana-inspired outfits. It was perfect, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

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With her suitcase packed and her heart full, Hoda is ready to take on this adventure. “It’s going to be such an incredible experience,” she said. “I’m thrilled to share it with my colleagues and bring the magic of Paris and the Olympics to our viewers. But most importantly, I’ll be thinking about my girls every step of the way.”

A Rare Glimpse Into Hoda’s Past

During the same episode, Hoda took a moment to reflect on her past relationship with Joel Schiffman. When Jenna Bush Hager asked if she’s ever been the first to say “I love you” in her relationships, Hoda gave a candid response. “No, not once,” she admitted. “Joel was the one who said it first. And you know what? That takes a lot of bravery. It shows that he was willing to take a risk, to put himself out there.”

Hoda went on to explain how she reacted when Joel expressed his love. “He told me, ‘Don’t leave me hanging out here by myself,’” she recalled with a laugh. “And I said, ‘Let me just sit with this feeling for a moment. Let me really absorb it before I respond.’ Sometimes, we’re so quick to reply that we don’t fully take in the moment.”

Hoda’s relationship with Joel may have ended, but they’ve maintained a positive co-parenting dynamic. “We’ve worked hard to make sure the girls feel loved and supported,” Hoda shared. “We split weekends—Joel might have Saturday, and I’ll have Sunday. It’s a great system, and the girls love it. He’s such a wonderful father.”

Before Joel, Hoda was married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008. Though her personal life has had its ups and downs, Hoda remains focused on what truly matters—her family and her career. “Life is all about balance,” she said. “And I’m doing my best to find it.”