As Hoda Kotb celebrated her 60th birthday on August 9, she opened up about her past health challenges on her podcast Making Space.
The Today host shared her emotional journey with breast cancer, reflecting on how the diagnosis crushed her dream of becoming a mother.
Hoda recalled how her doctor informed her that one of the side effects of the treatment, especially given her age at the time—early 40s—was that she wouldn’t be able to have children.
She expressed her shock, saying, “This thing not only put limits on my life but killed a dream.”
At a low point in her life, Hoda found a way to empower herself by adopting a fearless mindset. “I remember waking up one morning and saying to myself—like a lightning bolt—’ You can’t scare me because the worst had happened.'”
This realization freed her from fear, allowing her to live more fully. She emphasized that everyone should feel empowered to ask for what they deserve without fear of the future.
In 2013, Hoda and her then-boyfriend Joel Schiffman adopted their first child, Haley, followed by their second daughter, Hope, in 2019. Although Hoda and Joel were engaged, they announced their split in 2022.
Throughout her cancer journey, Hoda has been open about her experiences, including the fear and uncertainty she felt upon her diagnosis. Thankfully, since her mastectomy, she has remained cancer-free.