Hoda Kotb Is Making Return to 'Today': Why & When She Is Coming Back
A Love Story Reignited

Few personalities in morning television have connected with viewers as deeply as Hoda Kotb. Known for her warmth, honesty, and openness, she has long been one of the most beloved anchors on the TODAY Show. But her latest revelation left even her closest fans stunned. Kotb confirmed that she has rekindled her relationship with her ex, Joel Schiffman — and even more surprising, the couple is planning to marry this year.

The announcement came as a shock to many who thought the chapter between Kotb and Schiffman had closed for good. Their reunion is not only one of the most unexpected celebrity developments of the year, but it also carries a larger message about love, forgiveness, and second chances.

From Breakup To Reunion
Kotb and Schiffman’s relationship was once considered a model of stability. Together for nearly a decade, the couple shared countless public and private milestones, including raising their daughters Haley and Hope. Fans admired their quiet strength and the way they balanced demanding careers with a nurturing family life.

That’s why, in early 2022, when Kotb revealed on TODAY that she and Schiffman had decided to part ways, viewers were devastated. At the time, Kotb explained that they had realized they were “better as friends.” The split was amicable, free of scandal or public animosity, but it was nonetheless heartbreaking for the millions who had rooted for them.

Now, more than two years later, Kotb has revealed that their story didn’t end after all.

The Emotional Revelation On Air
During a recent broadcast of the TODAY Show, Kotb shared her news with an audience that has followed every twist and turn of her personal life. Her words were filled with emotion: “I never thought I’d be sitting here saying this, but Joel and I found our way back to each other. And this time, we’re making it forever.”

Her co-hosts were visibly emotional. Savannah Guthrie clapped her hands in joy, while Jenna Bush Hager appeared teary-eyed. The studio quickly erupted in applause, a reflection of the wave of excitement spreading across social media in real time.

Hoda Kotb Returns to the 'Today' Show Less Than 2 Months After Her Exit

Why They Found Their Way Back
Kotb has not detailed every step that led to their reunion, but insiders say the time apart gave both partners a chance to reflect. Co-parenting their daughters remained their highest priority, and it was through that shared responsibility that they slowly rebuilt their bond.

“Sometimes you need distance to see what truly matters,” one close friend explained. “They realized that what they had wasn’t over — it just needed space to grow.”

Friends of the couple say they spent months quietly reconnecting before deciding to reunite. By the time Kotb announced it publicly, their decision was already firm: they were back together for good.

Wedding Plans Already Underway
What makes this story even more remarkable is that Kotb and Schiffman are not just dating again — they are already planning a wedding. Sources say the couple intends to tie the knot before the end of the year, in a ceremony that will focus on family, intimacy, and authenticity rather than spectacle.

Kotb herself hinted at the approach: “I want something simple, something real. This isn’t about the headlines or the cameras. It’s about us, our girls, and the love that brought us back together.”

Though the date and venue remain private, speculation is rampant. Some fans believe the wedding could be featured in a special segment on TODAY, while others think Kotb may opt for a quiet, private celebration away from the spotlight.

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Ex-Fiancé? All About Joel Schiffman

Fans React With Joy And Surprise
Social media exploded after Kotb’s announcement. On Instagram, fans wrote messages of excitement and hope:

“Hoda and Joel are back? This is the best surprise of the year.”

Another added: “If they can find their way back after everything, maybe there’s hope for all of us.”

Still, some viewers expressed curiosity about the timing. “They said they were better as friends. What’s changed now?” asked one Twitter user. Yet even skeptics admitted they were touched by Kotb’s joy.

A Larger Message About Love And Forgiveness
Kotb’s reunion with Schiffman is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a public reminder that relationships are rarely linear. Breakups don’t always mean the end. Sometimes they create the space for reflection, healing, and renewal.

For fans, Kotb’s openness about her struggles and triumphs has always been part of her appeal. Whether she’s sharing stories of adoption, career challenges, or personal heartbreak, she invites viewers into her life with honesty. This latest revelation continues that tradition, showing that even after heartbreak, love can return stronger than ever.

Support From Colleagues And Friends
Inside NBC, the announcement has been met with overwhelming support. Producers and co-hosts were reportedly aware that Kotb had been quietly seeing Schiffman again but respected her decision to reveal the news on her own terms.

“She deserves happiness,” one NBC insider shared. “Her joy is contagious, and everyone here is thrilled to see her so radiant again.”

Friends outside of work have also voiced their support. Several close to Kotb say they’ve seen a new lightness in her since reuniting with Schiffman, describing her as “happier than she’s been in years.”

Looking Toward The Future
With a wedding on the horizon, Kotb and Schiffman are focused on their family. Their daughters, now old enough to understand the significance of the reunion, are said to be “over the moon” about their parents’ upcoming marriage.

For Kotb, balancing her personal joy with her professional commitments has never been a challenge. She continues to anchor TODAY with her signature warmth, but now with a renewed sense of fulfillment.

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman Were 'Both Crying' During Proposal

The Broader Cultural Impact
Celebrity reunions always generate buzz, but Kotb’s story resonates more deeply because of the themes it embodies. In a world where divorce often seems final, her journey shows that endings can sometimes be temporary. Her choice to give love another chance speaks to the possibility of healing, growth, and forgiveness.

It also underscores the importance of authenticity in public figures. By sharing her truth, Kotb has not only celebrated her own happiness but also offered inspiration to millions who may be navigating their own complicated relationships.

Final Thoughts
Hoda Kotb’s reunion with Joel Schiffman is more than a celebrity headline — it’s a human story about love’s resilience. Their journey from partners, to exes, to soon-to-be husband and wife again has captured hearts around the world.

In choosing to share her news openly, Kotb has reminded us that happiness doesn’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes love takes a detour, only to return when the time is right.

As the wedding approaches, fans will be watching closely — not just for details of the ceremony, but for the joy and inspiration that Kotb continues to bring. In a world often filled with discouraging headlines, her story offers a rare gift: hope, joy, and proof that second chances really do exist.