Hoda Kotb, the beloved former Today show anchor, has always been an open book, sharing her journey through motherhood, career transitions, and personal growth with her audience. But when she recently announced a new relationship, fans were left reeling—not just by the news itself, but by the identity of her partner: Joel Schiffman, her ex-fiancé, a figure from her past no one expected to see return. The surprise reunion, marked by a heartfelt moment captured at a family gathering, has sparked a wave of excitement and speculation, proving that love can take unexpected turns even after a painful chapter.
Kotb and Schiffman’s story began in 2013, blossoming into a romance that led to an engagement in 2019 and the adoption of their two daughters, Haley and Hope. Their relationship seemed like a modern fairy tale until their split in 2022, which Kotb announced on Today, explaining they were “better as friends and parents.” The decision was amicable, rooted in mutual respect, but fans assumed their romantic chapter was closed. Both focused on co-parenting, maintaining a warm connection for their daughters’ sake, with Schiffman often appearing at family events. Yet, a recent Instagram post from Kotb, captioned “Gangs all here! Xo,” showed Schiffman beaming at her dining table, reigniting rumors of something more.
The turning point came during a family celebration in Kotb’s new suburban home in Bronxville, New York, where pink and purple balloons framed a joyful scene. Fans noticed Schiffman’s presence and a subtle detail: Kotb wearing a ring on her left hand, sparking speculation of a rekindled romance. On air, Kotb hinted at a “new chapter,” describing a relationship that felt “familiar yet fresh.” While she didn’t name Schiffman explicitly, sources close to the couple confirmed to Closer Weekly that they had been quietly reconnecting, finding their way back to each other through shared moments with their daughters. The revelation stunned fans, who flooded social media with comments like, “Joel’s back? This is the plot twist we didn’t see coming!”
What makes this reunion so surprising is the journey it represents. Kotb has been candid about her post-breakup life, sharing on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2024 that she’d ventured into dating, even enjoying a few dates with a “really handsome” mystery man. Yet, her heart seemed to circle back to Schiffman, whose steadfast presence as a father and friend never wavered. Their time apart allowed both to grow individually—Kotb embracing her wellness brand, Joy 101, and Schiffman focusing on his career while staying close to their girls. This growth, Kotb later reflected, made their reunion possible, as they approached their relationship with renewed clarity and appreciation.
The emotional weight of their reconciliation lies in its simplicity. Kotb and Schiffman didn’t rush back into romance; they rebuilt it through shared dinners, holiday gatherings, and quiet moments of co-parenting. Kotb’s move to the suburbs, motivated by her daughter Hope’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, brought them closer, both geographically and emotionally. Schiffman’s trips to Bronxville, like the Father’s Day celebration in 2025, showed a commitment to family that slowly rekindled their spark. Fans, accustomed to Kotb’s optimism, were moved by this unexpected twist, with one commenting, “Hoda and Joel prove love can come full circle.”
Today, Kotb and Schiffman are navigating their rekindled bond with intention, focusing on their daughters and a shared future. Kotb’s announcement, though subtle, radiates hope, reminding fans that love can endure setbacks and emerge stronger. This surprise reunion, born from patience and mutual respect, has left everyone stunned—and rooting for their next chapter.
