Hoda Kotb Hints at New Romance on the Horizon: “When I Close My Eyes, I See It,” the TV Star Opens Up About Her Heart’s Desire and What She’s Hoping for in Her Future Love Life.

Hoda Kotb isn’t putting a timeline on dating and finding love.

The former Today co-host exclusively opens up to PEOPLE in this week’s cover story about why she hasn’t been focused on romance following her departure from the NBC morning show in January.

Kotb, 60, says numerous factors have contributed to her not putting herself back out there in the dating pool just yet, including her family’s move to the suburbs, her kids starting a new school and her experiencing “a new kind of beginning life.”

“I’ve been really getting my sea legs,” she explains. “When it happens will be the time it’s supposed to happen.”

“When things are supposed to end, they end. And when things are supposed to begin, they begin. But you have to be wide open because if you’re not, it’s not happening,” she continues. “So I think that chapter is yet to come, but I know it’s coming.”

The famed broadcast journalist adds, “And I’m excited for that chapter.”

Kotb was previously married to Burzis Kanga and engaged to Joel Schiffman, with whom she co-parents her two daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 6.

Elsewhere in this week’s PEOPLE cover story, Kotb opens up about her reasons for leaving Today after 17 years.

“I wasn’t able to bear witness to my kids’ daily lives because of what I was doing,” she says of Haley and Hope — the latter of whom is living with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin, requiring vigilant blood sugar monitoring and frequent insulin injections.

“It’s really cool to just realize that there’s so much more to life,” she continues. “I used to think life was the big things, but it really is all the stuff that happens in between.”

To read more about Hoda Kotb’s life after Today, pick up the newest issue of PEOPLE on stands now.

Kotb has been settling into a new life, relishing the amount of time she has for her daughters and making plans for the future. She’s been hard at work launching a wellness company, Joy 101, complete with an app, live events and a subscription newsletter that will all center around themes of joy, mindfulness, meditation and wellness.

Despite leaving Today four months ago, Kotb slid right back into her old groove when reuniting with Jenna Bush Hager on the May 28 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends — and she had nothing but love for her friend.

Kotb told a teary-eyed Bush Hager she has been “literally crushing it” ever since her exit, saying, “I’ve been watching you every single day. You’ve been incredible. You’ve been crushing it, crushing it, you really have been.”

Hoda Kotb’s New Beginning: A Journey Toward Love, Family, and Self-Discovery

Hoda Kotb, the beloved journalist and television personality, has spent much of her career opening up to millions of viewers. But now, after leaving the Today show and stepping into a new chapter of her life, she’s turning the lens inward. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kotb reveals the emotional rollercoaster she’s been riding since her departure from NBC and opens up about her thoughts on love, family, and the future.

Since leaving Today in January, Kotb has had to reimagine what life looks like outside the studio. For years, her life revolved around early mornings, packed schedules, and the bright lights of television. But now, she’s found solace in her new life, focused on her family and embracing the quiet moments that were once elusive.

Her two daughters, Haley and Hope, have become her world. With the demanding schedule of a national broadcast anchor behind her, Kotb is relishing every moment she gets to spend with them. “When you become a parent, you realize that time isn’t just about the big milestones, but about every small moment in between,” she shares. With Hope living with Type 1 diabetes, Kotb has been particularly mindful of how much time she spends at home, helping her daughter navigate the daily challenges of living with an autoimmune disease.

Still, amidst the busyness of family life, Kotb can’t help but feel a deep longing for love. “I envision it,” she says, her voice tinged with hope. “When I close my eyes, I see it.” The star is careful not to rush into anything, explaining that she’s learned to trust the timing of her life. The new relationships she’s seeking, both romantic and professional, will arrive when the time is right.

Hoda’s reflections on romance are deeply tied to the wisdom she’s gained over the years. After her previous marriages and her engagement to Joel Schiffman, Kotb has come to embrace the idea that life isn’t about rushing into the next chapter but letting it unfold naturally. “I think when things are meant to happen, they will,” she says with a peaceful smile. “You just have to be open to the possibility.”

While Hoda’s personal life is taking a backseat for now, her professional life is anything but stagnant. She’s poured her heart into launching Joy 101, her wellness platform, which focuses on spreading joy, mindfulness, and wellness. Through her app, live events, and newsletter, Kotb is reaching out to people who, like her, are looking for guidance on how to live life to the fullest. It’s a mission that’s deeply personal to her, especially after witnessing her own life’s transformation over the past few months.

In her recent reunion with Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna & Friends, Kotb was quick to show her support and admiration for her longtime friend. “I’ve been watching you every single day,” Kotb said, praising Bush Hager’s incredible performance in her absence. “You’ve been crushing it.” It’s clear that the bond between these two women runs deep, and Kotb’s transition from Today to a new phase in life hasn’t caused her to lose her unwavering support for those she loves.

Hoda Kotb’s journey is one of reinvention, embracing change, and cherishing the moments that matter most. Whether it’s love, family, or her next big career move, the future seems incredibly bright for the TV star who has always shared so much of her life with the public. With each passing day, she’s uncovering more about herself, finding joy in the smallest of moments, and welcoming the possibilities that lie ahead.