Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman Reunite and Welcome a Third Child Through Adoption — The Emotional Gender Reveal That Has Everyone Talking

In a heartwarming twist that has taken fans by complete surprise, TODAY show favorite Hoda Kotb and her former fiancé Joel Schiffman have reportedly reunited — and welcomed a third child into their family through adoption.

After years apart and months of quiet speculation, the beloved television personality confirmed the joyous news during a touching on-air moment that left her co-hosts and millions of viewers teary-eyed. And if that weren’t enough, the gender reveal of their newest addition sent social media into a frenzy.

A Love Story with Unexpected Chapters

For nearly a decade, Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman were one of America’s most admired couples. The two first met at a book-signing event in 2013, began dating soon after, and got engaged in 2019.

Together, they built a beautiful family, adopting two daughters — Haley Joy, born in 2017, and Hope Catherine, adopted in 2019. Fans adored watching Hoda’s joy as she spoke about motherhood on TODAY, often calling her daughters “miracles.”

But in early 2022, the couple announced that they had decided to part ways. “We’re better as friends and co-parents than as an engaged couple,” Hoda said at the time, expressing deep love and respect for Joel.

Few could have guessed that three years later, their shared love for family — and the little girls who bonded them forever — would bring them back together in such an emotional way.

The Surprise Announcement That Melted Hearts

It was during a live broadcast of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna when the moment unfolded.

As the show transitioned into its “Good News of the Day” segment, Hoda paused, her eyes welling up. “This story… actually hits close to home,” she said softly. “Because it’s mine.”

The audience fell silent.

She continued:

“Life has a funny way of coming full circle. Joel and I have always believed in love, in second chances, and in the idea that family doesn’t always follow a straight path. Today, I’m so grateful to say — our hearts just got a little fuller.”

At that point, Hoda’s co-host Jenna Bush Hager jumped from her seat, exclaiming, “Hoda! Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

Through tears, Hoda confirmed that she and Joel had welcomed their third child — a baby boy — through adoption.

The Emotional Gender Reveal

As confetti filled the studio, producers surprised Hoda with a video montage featuring clips of her daughters, Haley and Hope, holding a tiny blue onesie that read “Baby Brother.”

The girls shouted, “It’s a boy!” before running to hug their mom in a pre-recorded segment filmed earlier that week.

Hoda laughed and cried at once, saying, “They’ve been asking for a brother for so long — I didn’t think it would happen, but here we are. His name is Harrison Joel.”

The announcement instantly became one of the most viral TODAY moments of the year, trending across platforms with the hashtag #WelcomeBabyHarrison.

Why Fans Are So Emotional

For many viewers, this wasn’t just about a celebrity adoption or a feel-good segment — it was a full-circle story of resilience, faith, and family.

Fans flooded the TODAY social-media accounts with messages of congratulations and gratitude:

“Hoda deserves every ounce of happiness. She’s shown so much grace through the years.”
“Seeing her and Joel reunite gives me hope that love really can come back stronger.”
“That gender reveal made me sob! What a beautiful family.”

Within hours, Hoda Kotb became a top trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), and several morning-show outlets replayed the emotional moment.

Inside Hoda and Joel’s Quiet Reconnection

According to insiders close to the couple, Hoda and Joel’s relationship slowly rekindled over shared family time. They reportedly began spending more evenings together in mid-2024, prioritizing co-parenting harmony and shared holidays with Haley and Hope.

One source said:

“There was no big romantic reunion at first. They just kept showing up for their girls — school events, birthdays, bedtime stories. Eventually, the love that was always there resurfaced.”

By early 2025, friends noticed they were once again attending charity events together and taking family trips. The adoption process reportedly began in the spring, with the paperwork finalized just weeks before the on-air reveal.

A “Fortunate” New Beginning

In a statement shared with TODAY.com, Joel Schiffman said:

“Life doesn’t always go the way you expect it to, but sometimes it leads you right back to where you’re meant to be. Welcoming Harrison has been the greatest blessing of our lives.”

Hoda echoed that sentiment on Instagram, writing:

“Our hearts are full, our home is noisy, and our love is endless. Welcome to the family, little man.”

The post garnered more than half a million likes within 24 hours, including comments from celebrities like Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Kathie Lee Gifford, all congratulating the couple.

What’s Next for Hoda and Her Family

Professionally, Hoda remains one of NBC’s most trusted anchors. Personally, however, she has always said that motherhood is her “greatest job.”

With three children now under her care, she’s reportedly taking some time to adjust to life as a mom of three. “It’s joyful chaos,” she told viewers. “But I wouldn’t trade a second of it.”

As for marriage? When asked if a wedding might be back on the horizon, Hoda smiled and simply said, “Right now, I’m focused on love, laughter, and bedtime stories. The rest will come when it’s meant to.”

Fans Celebrate a Story of Hope

The overwhelming response from fans highlights just how beloved Hoda is. Viewers see in her story a reflection of hope — that love can endure, evolve, and return in unexpected ways.

“She’s living proof that second chances exist,” one commenter wrote. “And that family isn’t defined by structure, but by heart.”

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Conclusion

In an industry often defined by headlines and heartbreak, Hoda Kotb’s story stands apart — a reminder that love can grow, families can expand, and second chances are worth believing in.

With baby Harrison now home, the Kotb-Schiffman family begins a new chapter, one filled with laughter, learning, and late-night feedings.

And for millions who have followed their journey from the start, it’s more than just a celebrity story — it’s a celebration of resilience, hope, and the boundless power of love.

“Sometimes life surprises you,” Hoda said, closing the broadcast.
“And sometimes, those surprises turn out to be your greatest blessings.”

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