Hoda Kotb revealed for the first time about co-parenting with her ex on the ‘Today’ show, surprising many people — and the truth behind it was something no one expected.

In a heartfelt and candid interview aired on NBC’s Today, Hoda Kotb, long‑time co-anchor and beloved on‑air personality, stunned audiences by revealing how she and her ex‑fiancé, Joel Schiffman, have embraced a cooperative co‑parenting partnership following their breakup — and the unexpected reason behind her major career shift.

A Seamless Split: “Better as Friends and Parents”

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman were engaged in 2019 after beginning their relationship in 2013 and adopting two daughters together — Haley Joy in 2017 and Hope Catherine in 2019. Though they called off the engagement in January 2022, the couple remained committed to parenting as a team.

On Today, Kotb explained: “We’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple.” They now co‑parent in a remarkably balanced way, alternating weekends with their daughters on a weekly rotation. “He’ll have Saturday, and I’ll do Sunday … It’s a healthy mix, and the kids love it,” she shared, adding that open communication helps them adjust plans to fit everyone’s needs

Love Without Romance: Nurturing Healthy Parenting Dynamics

Quite often, co-parenting after a split can be fraught with tension. But Kotb and Schiffman have insisted on mutual support and shared parenting responsibilities. Kotb praised Schiffman as a “great dad” and revealed that he remains intimately involved with both daughters’ lives, including school drop-offs and weekend activities. Kotb’s own schedule has allowed her to write special notes to her children each morning — even waking at 3 a.m. — and engage in nightly dance parties with them .

Kotb emphasized that co‑parenting isn’t just about logistics, but ensuring emotional stability for the children. She noted, “The ultimate goal is when your girls are happy. That’s what we both say: ‘Happy girls, that’s all we want.’”

Career Sacrifice for Family: Leaving Today for a Greater Calling

In January 2025, Kotb left her role on Today after nearly 18 years — a move that shocked fans. Yet she made it clear that her decision was rooted in love and necessity, not retreat. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kotb revealed that her youngest daughter, Hope, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in early 2023. After enduring a two‑week hospital stay and requiring ongoing insulin treatments and overnight monitoring, Kotb found the relentless care her daughter needed incompatible with her demanding pre‑dawn show schedule

She candidly told PEOPLE:

“I really wanted to and needed to be here to watch over her … whenever she needs anything, and it can happen at night, multiple times, I’m up — I’m up up up.”

While Kotb stressed that she didn’t want Hope to feel “Mom stopped working because of me,” she acknowledged that the decision was blending all elements of her life — family, health, and personal priorities

Embracing a New Rhythm and Joy

Following her departure, Kotb embraced a slower, more intentional life. She launched Joy 101, a wellness company featuring an app, retreats, and events focused on mindfulness and intentional living. Her mornings are now reserved for meditation, journaling, gym sessions, or tennis — all before waking her daughters.

Kotb relished watching Haley sing “What a Wonderful World” during breakfast or picking her up from school. She now relishes the small, everyday moments:

“I used to think life was the big things, but it really is all the stuff that happens in between.”

With the children often waving at her from the window as she works or cuddling by her side at bedtime, Kotb said:

“I sleep in the middle so … when I wake up and they’re both nuzzled into me … I get to lay here with these two kids, and all they want to do is be as close to me as they can get.”

Unconditional Family Love: Adoption, Healing, and Co‑Parenting

Kotb has been open about her journey to motherhood. After surviving breast cancer in 2007, she adopted her daughters later in life, describing the process as “pinch‑me moments” — and acknowledging Schiffman’s pivotal role in giving her a family

Despite their split, both parents continue to support their daughters’ physical and emotional development, from field hockey and lacrosse practices to special birthday celebrations — including themed Halloween events .

They’ve created a nurturing environment across multiple homes — New York and Long Island — ensuring that the girls feel supported and loved

A Future Built on Mindfulness, Balance, and Family

Now 60, Kotb is reaching new milestones: building routines that center her daughters, launching a wellness brand, and rediscovering personal passions. Looking ahead, she has no regrets:

“If you want to be excellent at home, something has to give at work.”

Kotb hasn’t closed the door on her television career completely — she plans occasional appearances on Today With Jenna & Friends, guest spots, and book-related engagements — but her core focus remains fixed.

Final Take: Hoda Kotb’s story is more than a celebrity headline. It’s a profound testament to resilience, redefined love, and intentional parenting. In opening up about co-parenting with Joel Schiffman, and stepping away from Today to support daughter Hope, she’s painted a portrait of authenticity rarely seen in celebrity life — one defined by love, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to family.