Finding out your favorite morning show host is single again feels a bit like a personal breakup. For years, we watched Hoda Kotb glow while talking about her life with financier Joel Schiffman. They were the "it" couple of relatability. Then, the ring disappeared. In early 2022, Hoda sat across from Jenna Bush Hager and dropped the news: she and Joel were done.
But it wasn’t a "scandal" breakup. No cheating, no screaming matches—just two people realizing they were better as co-parents than life partners. Fast forward to 2026, and the question of a hoda kotb boyfriend is still a hot topic for fans who want to see her find that "soul connection" she’s been talking about.
Honestly, Hoda’s love life right now is less about a specific man and more about a massive life pivot.
The Joel Schiffman Era: Why It Ended
Hoda and Joel were together for eight years. They met at a Wall Street event in 2013—a rainy night Hoda almost skipped. It sounds like a rom-com, right? They adopted two daughters, Haley and Hope, and Joel was clearly the "rock" in the family. He proposed on a beach in Mexico in 2019, but then the world shut down.
The pandemic postponed their wedding multiple times. While many couples grew closer in isolation, Hoda eventually realized their "us" had shifted. In her 2025 book, Jump and Find Joy, she described an epiphany she had at a retreat. She realized you can love someone deeply but still acknowledge that they aren't the right person for your current "season" of life.
They officially split in January 2022. They still do the Sunday/Monday handoff with the kids. They still have barbecues together. It’s the kind of healthy breakup that makes you wonder why everyone can't be that mature.
Is There a New Hoda Kotb Boyfriend in 2026?
As of right now, Hoda isn't publicly dating anyone.
She’s been very open about the "beginner" energy she’s feeling in her 60s. After leaving the Today show in early 2025 to focus on her daughters and her wellness brand, Joy 101, she’s been focused on "filling her own bucket."
- The Three-Date Romance: In 2024, she went on a few dates with a guy Jenna Bush Hager set her up with. It didn't stick. She ended it after three dates, citing a lack of that deep spark.
- The Suburban Shift: Moving out of Manhattan to the suburbs with her girls took up most of her headspace. She’s been busy setting up reading nooks and beanbag chairs.
- The "Joy Ride": She recently announced a new project called "Joy Rides," where she bikes and talks with friends like Stacy London.
She’s basically told the world she’s "ready" but not "rushing." She knows it’s coming. She just isn't forcing it.
Why the Search for a Partner Matters Now
People are obsessed with finding a hoda kotb boyfriend because Hoda represents a specific kind of hope. She became a mom in her 50s. She found a massive career peak in her late 50s.
If she finds love again in her 60s, it proves that "the best is yet to come" isn't just a cheesy Pinterest quote.
Hoda has mentioned she’s looking for something simpler now. In a late 2024 interview, she pondered the idea of a "micro-wedding"—a tiny, intimate ceremony with maybe 20 people. It’s a far cry from the big beach wedding she once planned with Joel.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Single Status
The biggest misconception is that Hoda is "lonely" or "recovering." If you watch her recent appearances or listen to her Making Space podcast, she sounds more energized than ever.
She’s not waiting for a man to complete the picture; she’s busy painting a new one. Her daughter Hope has had some health challenges, which Hoda has handled with incredible privacy and grace. That kind of pressure usually puts romance on the back burner.
What to Look For Next
If you’re keeping tabs on Hoda’s romantic future, keep an eye on her inner circle. Jenna Bush Hager is notorious for trying to play matchmaker. If a new hoda kotb boyfriend emerges, he’ll likely be someone low-key, probably not in the industry, and definitely someone who can handle a "time pie" that is currently 90% dedicated to her kids and her mom.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow "Making Space": This is where Hoda gets the most vulnerable about her personal growth and what she’s looking for in a partner.
- Look for the "Joy 101" Updates: Her new wellness platform is where she’s sharing her journey of being a "beginner" again.
- Respect the Privacy: She’s been clear that her daughters come first, so don't expect a hard launch on Instagram anytime soon.
Hoda is proof that you can change your "tree" whenever you want. Whether she finds a new partner tomorrow or five years from now, she’s already won by choosing herself first.