I’m Exhausted, But I’m Blessed’: Hoda Kotb Breaks Her Silence at 60, Revealing the Unexpected Hardships of Late Motherhood That No One Talks About—Even the ‘Easiest’ Tasks Feel Impossible Sometimes.

For decades, Hoda Kotb has been a comforting presence on American television—delivering headlines with a warm smile, celebrating human triumphs, and bringing joy to millions through NBC’s Today show. But behind that ever-cheerful demeanor lies a story few knew until now. At 60, Hoda is experiencing the most challenging, rewarding, and physically demanding role of her life: motherhood.

In a recent emotional interview, Kotb broke her silence about the realities of being a first-time mother at an age when most are considering retirement, not raising toddlers. With heart and raw honesty, she admitted: “Some days, I’m just clinging on. Even tasks that other mothers say are ‘easy’ feel like climbing Mount Everest.”

Late Motherhood: A Journey of Love—and Pain

Kotb, who adopted her two daughters—Haley Joy and Hope Catherine—later in life, never expected motherhood to be a walk in the park. But nothing prepared her for the intensity of it all. “People talk about sleepless nights with babies, but they don’t talk about doing it when your body doesn’t bounce back like it used to,” she said, laughing through a tear.

In a culture where younger mothers often bond over nap schedules and playdates, Kotb found herself in a different league. “I walk into a room full of moms in their 30s and I feel like the grandma,” she admitted. “It’s intimidating. It’s isolating.”

Yet what she lacks in youthful energy, she makes up for in perspective. “At 60, I know what really matters. Every giggle, every hug, every tantrum—it’s all gold to me.”

The Hidden Struggles No One Sees

The challenges Kotb faces go beyond physical exhaustion. It’s the mental weight—the self-doubt, the fear of not doing enough, the constant comparison to younger mothers—that truly stings. “I question myself more now than I did in my 20s,” she confessed. “Did I make the right choice? Can I keep up with their needs? Will I be around long enough to see them grow?”

Even simple parenting tasks feel like Olympic events. “Lifting my daughter out of the crib? That’s a two-step process. I have to psych myself up before I do it. Carrying her to the car? My knees scream the whole way.”

These aren’t complaints—they’re truths. Honest, unfiltered realities of a woman who is giving her all to be the mother her children deserve.

‘I Didn’t Expect the Loneliness’

Despite having a supportive community of friends and colleagues, Kotb admits there are moments of profound loneliness. “You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone when no one around you really understands what it’s like to be a 60-year-old mom of toddlers.”

Social circles change. Conversations change. “While my friends are talking about their kids going off to college, I’m potty training. It’s a different world, and it’s hard to explain unless you’re in it.”

Yet there’s a beauty in that loneliness. “It’s made me more resilient. More present. More appreciative of every small victory.”

The Public Pressure of Perfection

As a public figure, Kotb is no stranger to being under the microscope. But now, it’s not about fashion choices or ratings—it’s about parenting.

“The expectations are overwhelming,” she said. “You’re either too old or not doing enough. People question your decisions in ways they wouldn’t with younger moms. I’ve had people ask, ‘Won’t you be too old to attend their graduations?’ It stings.”

But Kotb is not letting public perception dictate her parenting journey. “I’ve waited my whole life for this. I refuse to let judgment rob me of the joy.”

Gratitude Over Guilt

In a culture obsessed with hustle and youth, Kotb’s story is a powerful reminder that motherhood has no expiration date. She may be slower on her feet, but her heart races with the kind of love that only deepens with age.

“There are moments when I’m dead tired, and I still sing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to my girls at bedtime. That’s what they’ll remember—not whether I could run after them in the park.”

She’s not chasing perfection—she’s chasing presence.

“I may not be the mom who bakes the cupcakes from scratch or organizes Pinterest-worthy birthday parties. But I’m the mom who shows up. Who listens. Who never takes one second for granted.”

A New Kind of Role Model

In sharing her truth, Hoda Kotb is becoming a voice for a growing population of late-in-life parents—those who took a different path, faced different obstacles, and are now navigating parenthood on their own terms.

She doesn’t pretend it’s easy. But she makes it clear: it’s worth it.

“I’ve learned that love doesn’t care how old you are. It doesn’t care if your back aches or your hair’s turning gray. My girls don’t look at me and see a 60-year-old. They just see Mom. And that’s everything.”

The Takeaway: It’s Okay to Struggle

Hoda Kotb’s courage in speaking out is a gift to every mother who’s ever felt out of step, too tired, or too old. Her story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the unshakable power of love.

“I wanted to be a mom so badly. And now that I am, I just want to do it right—even when it’s hard, even when I feel like I’m failing.”

And perhaps that’s the greatest truth of all: the best mothers aren’t perfect—they’re present, they’re trying, and they love without limits.

Final Words

In a world that glorifies youth and energy, Hoda Kotb is rewriting the script. Her story is one of late-blooming motherhood, fierce dedication, and brave honesty. She’s not just a journalist. She’s not just a mom. She’s a warrior—proving that even at 60, a mother’s love can move mountains.