Hoda Kotb, the beloved 59-year-old co-host of Today With Hoda & Jenna, recently opened up about a big personal milestone—her first date since splitting from longtime partner Joel Schiffman in 2022. During a sneak peek of an upcoming segment for The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kotb revealed the exciting news with her trademark enthusiasm and warmth.
“Something happened the other day that hasn’t happened in two years,” she announced with a bright smile. “I went on a date! I went on a date!” Her revelation was met with roaring applause and cheers from the audience. Kelly Clarkson, who has also had her share of public relationship experiences, offered her congratulations with genuine excitement.
Still, Kotb was quick to put things into perspective. She clarified that while the date was significant for her personally, she wasn’t jumping to conclusions or assigning too much weight to what it might mean long-term. “It was only a date,” she stressed. “Just a date, nothing more.” Her down-to-earth response served as a gentle reminder that moving forward in life can happen one small step at a time.
Turning the conversation toward Clarkson—whose divorce from Brandon Blackstock captured headlines—Kotb playfully asked if she would consider dating again. Clarkson, laughing, replied, “Not at all. I truly enjoy living without a man in my life, but it’s difficult.” Her candid answer earned some laughs and nods from the audience, many of whom could relate.
Although Kotb didn’t offer many details about the person she went out with, eagle-eyed viewers might remember a small slip-up she made just days earlier. On the February 15 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, Kotb was chatting with Jennifer Lopez when she inadvertently mentioned the date. “You just told me about your setup tonight,” Lopez teased. To which Kotb responded, laughing, “I just told her I had a date tonight, which that wasn’t supposed to be public!”
It turns out Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb’s Today co-host and close friend, had a hand in nudging her back into the dating world. Hager had reportedly been encouraging Kotb to try blind dating and even hinted during a February 19 episode that she was “in the process” of setting her up with someone.
Fans of the show know that Kotb has been single since she and Schiffman ended their relationship in January 2022. At the time, the pair had been together for eight years and engaged for two. In a heartfelt reflection, Kotb explained their decision: “They say sometimes relationships are meant to be there for a reason, for a season or for a lifetime, and I feel like ours was meant to be there for a season.”
Despite their romantic split, Kotb and Schiffman remain connected as co-parents to their two adopted daughters, Haley and Hope. They adopted Haley in 2017 and welcomed Hope to their family in 2019. Kotb often shares glimpses of her life as a devoted mother, and it’s clear that her daughters remain her top priority.
Fans have long admired Kotb for her honesty, vulnerability, and ability to stay true to herself—both on and off the screen. Her willingness to talk openly about love, loss, parenting, and now dating again, continues to resonate with viewers. Whether she’s celebrating small wins or handling life’s tough moments, she does it all with heart and grace.
As for this new chapter in her romantic life, Kotb is taking it slow, keeping things grounded and genuine. She’s not rushing into anything, but rather allowing herself to enjoy new experiences at her own pace. For many people who’ve gone through major relationship changes, her story is a refreshing and encouraging reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.
So, will there be more dates in Hoda Kotb’s future? Time will tell. But one thing is certain—she’s stepping into this new phase of life with confidence, curiosity, and a healthy sense of humor.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hoda continues to write her next chapter—and inspires others to do the same.
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