Quick Wiki
- Full Name Hoda Kotb
- Birth Date Aug 09, 1964
- Age 60 Years, 7 Months
- Birthplace Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
- Mother Sami Kotb
- Father Abdel Kader Kotb
Hoda Kotb | Biography
Hoda Kotb, born on August 9, 1964, is a prominent TV journalist best known as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show. With a career spanning decades, she is a celebrated author and a breast cancer survivor who has made significant contributions to broadcast journalism.
Who is Hoda Kotb?
Hoda Kotb is an accomplished American television personality, journalist, and author, best known as the co-anchor of NBC's Today show and co-host of Hoda & Jenna, the show's popular 10 a.m. hour. Born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, Kotb hails from Egyptian immigrant parents who instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity while encouraging an American upbringing. A graduate of Virginia Tech, she embarked on a broadcasting career in the mid-1980s, experiencing early struggles before eventually rising to prominence at NBC as a correspondent for Dateline, where she covered significant national and international events.
Since joining the Today show in 2007, Hoda Kotb has enjoyed a remarkable trajectory, showcasing her talents alongside esteemed colleagues such as Kathie Lee Gifford and Savannah Guthrie. Her warmth, relatability, and engaging interviewing style have endeared her to viewers, earning her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition to her broadcasting accomplishments, Kotb is a breast cancer survivor who penned the memoir "Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee," and is also an accomplished author of children's books. A devoted mother of two adopted daughters, Hoda balances her high-profile career with family life, making her a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
Early Life and Education
Hoda Kotb was born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian immigrant parents who instilled in her a sense of cultural pride and identity. Her mother, Sami Kotb, and father, Abdel Kader Kotb, moved to the U.S. to pursue their education at the University of Oklahoma. Growing up in an English-speaking household, Hoda was the middle child, with an older brother named Adel and a younger sister named Hala. She spent much of her childhood in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, along with a year spent in Nigeria, which broadened her worldview and cultural understanding.
After graduating from Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Hoda chose to attend Virginia Tech, where she became active in campus life, joining the Delta Delta Delta sorority and working at the student radio station, WUVT. Unfortunately, her college years were marked by tragedy when her father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Despite this devastating loss, Hoda persevered, ultimately earning her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in 1986. Resilient and determined, she began her career in broadcasting shortly after graduating, laying the foundation for her future successes in the media industry.
Career Start: From College to Dateline NBC
Hoda Kotb's journey into the world of broadcasting began after she graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1986. Her initial foray into the industry involved working as a news assistant for CBS in Cairo, which allowed her to return to her roots. However, landing an on-air position proved to be a challenge; she faced numerous rejections while driving through various states until a serendipitous detour in Mississippi led her to a job at a local CBS affiliate. This opportunity marked the start of a remarkable career in television journalism, where her perseverance and talent began to shine.
Following her stint in Mississippi, Hoda identified herself as a strong reporter and anchor, eventually working for several CBS and ABC affiliates throughout the South, including Illinois and Florida. Her notable position came as an anchor and reporter for WWL-TV in New Orleans from 1992 to 1998, during which time she covered crucial local stories. This experience would serve her well when she joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Throughout her tenure there, Hoda covered significant national and international events, solidifying her reputation as a diligent and relatable journalist, ultimately leading up to her prominent hosting role on the Today show.
Notable Achievements: Emmy Awards and Broadcast Impact
Hoda Kotb has made a significant impact on the broadcasting landscape, particularly through her work on NBC’s Today show and Dateline. Her tenure at Today began in 2007, where she showcased her warm personality and journalistic expertise alongside various co-hosts, including the well-known Kathie Lee Gifford and Jenna Bush Hager. Over the years, Kotb’s engaging interviews and relatable segments resonated with audiences, earning her and her co-hosts multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host. This recognition not only highlights her contribution to daytime television but also cements her status as a beloved figure in American media.
In addition to her Emmy wins, Kotb has received prestigious accolades such as the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, showcasing her prowess in investigative journalism. She was part of the Dateline team that earned a Peabody Award for their impactful documentary chronicling educational challenges. Hoda’s commitment to storytelling and her ability to tackle significant issues have not only enriched her career but have also influenced fellow journalists and broadcasters. Her journey from humble beginnings to being a prominent news anchor exemplifies her enduring legacy in the industry.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Hoda Kotb was previously married to Burzis Kanga, a tennis coach for the University of New Orleans, in 2005. However, their union was short-lived, as they divorced just two years later in 2007. Following her marriage, Kotb focused on her career and personal life, facing the challenges of being a cancer survivor and her desire to become a mother. After undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she was unable to conceive biologically, which led her to explore adoption as a means to grow her family.
In February 2017, Kotb joyfully adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, sharing the moment with her fans on the Today show. This new chapter was further enriched when she adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine, in April 2019. The bonds she formed with her girls became central to her life, exemplifying her dedication as a single mother. Kotb often speaks of the deep love and joy her daughters bring, emphasizing her commitment to being present for them while balancing her demanding career in broadcasting.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights
Hoda Kotb has established herself as one of the most recognizable faces in American television, particularly through her long tenure with NBC's Today show. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, a testament to her successful career in journalism and broadcasting. Throughout her time with NBC, Kotb has not only contributed to the Today show but has also worked extensively on Dateline, where her engaging storytelling and journalistic credibility further enhanced her financial standing. Her versatile roles have allowed her to command a substantial salary, with estimates suggesting she earns approximately $8 million annually.
In addition to her television salary, Kotb has authored several best-selling books and hosted various radio shows and podcasts, which contribute significantly to her income. Her memoir and children's books have sold well, adding to her overall earnings. Moreover, her ability to connect with audiences through her engaging personality has led her to lucrative endorsements and appearances. As Hoda prepares for her transition away from hosting duties in 2025, her diversified career ensures that she will remain a prominent figure in the media landscape while continuing to grow her wealth.
