Tears of Joy: Hoda Kotb Overwhelmed by Ex-Fiancé Joel Schiffman’s Unexpected Gesture of Enduring Love

In the relentless, fast-paced world of national news and celebrity headlines, few figures radiate the kind of genuine warmth and vulnerability as Hoda Kotb. For years, millions have tuned in to the Today show, connecting with her infectious optimism and deeply human approach to life’s biggest challenges. Now, as Hoda navigates a significant period of personal and professional transition, her life has delivered a profound, tender twist—a moment so deeply emotional and ironic that it moved the beloved anchor to tears.

The source of this emotional floodgate was none other than her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman. What Hoda had long accepted as lost—the spontaneous gestures, the soft warmth of a romantic bond—unexpectedly returned, not as a desperate attempt to rekindle the past, but as a beautiful, powerful acknowledgment of the love that remains. This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the heart finds its way back, not to the way things were, but to a gentler, unforeseen future.

The Evolution of a Love Story

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman’s relationship began in 2013 as a whirlwind romance that captivated the public. They became one of the most visible and adored couples in media, their joy amplified by the arrival of their two adopted daughters, Haley Joy (2017) and Hope Catherine (2019). Their engagement in 2019 seemed the natural culmination of a decade of shared life and love, a family unit solidified and celebrated.

However, in January 2022, Hoda shared the difficult news: the engagement was off. Citing that they were “better as friends and co-parents,” the pair made the mature decision to separate their romantic lives while fiercely protecting their family structure. In the years that followed, Hoda and Joel meticulously upheld their commitment to mutual respect, seamlessly sharing parenting duties and navigating the complexities of their new reality. The romantic feelings, though once vibrant, had gracefully faded into the background, replaced by a comfortable, necessary platonic friendship focused entirely on the well-being of their two young daughters.

The Routine of Letting Go

For many couples who transition from romance to co-parenting, the old memories, particularly significant dates like anniversaries, can become painful markers of what was lost. Yet, for Hoda and Joel, their anniversary dates often passed with surprisingly little fanfare, even during their engaged years. Hoda, immersed in the relentless pace of the Today show, and Joel, focused on his career in finance, had frequently allowed the dates to pass unnoticed. There were no grand gestures or special outings—just the routine continuation of a busy life.

This shared history meant that the romantic emotions gradually settled into a comfortable, almost mundane rhythm. Hoda believed she had finally achieved the ultimate closure: separating the love from the memory, and fully accepting their status as normal, albeit unique, friends. She had successfully learned to let go of the past, focusing her energy entirely on the present joy of motherhood and her demanding career.

A Chapter Closes, A New Dawn Opens

The backdrop against which Joel’s surprise unfolded makes the gesture even more poignant. Early in 2025, Hoda made a monumental career decision: to bid farewell to her long-standing role as co-anchor on the Today show, with her final day being January 10. This was not a decision rooted in professional fatigue but in a deep, pressing desire to prioritize family. Her daughter, Hope, requires dedicated attention due to her diagnosis with diabetes, prompting Hoda to step away from the daily spotlight.

“I’ve loved every minute, but it’s time for new chapters,” she shared in interviews, emphasizing her commitment to not only motherhood but also to pursuing other creative dreams, including writing, philanthropy, and personal growth. The decision marked a powerful pivot toward self-fulfillment, signaling a profound shift in her life’s priorities. It was a move that required Hoda to fully embrace uncertainty and sacrifice a core part of her identity built over years in journalism.

It was during this time of intense transition—shortly after she had reaffirmed her status as a mother first, journalist second, and no longer an engaged woman—that the unexpected occurred.

The Simple Gesture That Unlocked the Heart

On the date that would have marked their most recent anniversary, Joel Schiffman did something completely out of character for their established, platonic dynamic. He presented Hoda with a gift: a delicate necklace.

The gesture was simple, quiet, and meaningful—delivered in just a few fleeting seconds. But those fleeting seconds were enough to undo years of careful emotional management. The small, thoughtful token of jewelry, symbolizing their shared history and the enduring connection forged through their children, acted like a key, unlocking a floodgate of emotions Hoda was certain she had buried completely.

Tears streamed down her face, not out of pain or longing for what might have been, but from a profound rush of joy, nostalgia, and the tender irony of fate. All the memories—the laughter, the shared challenges, the deep love that built their family—resurfaced, proving that the emotional ties that bind them were not broken, merely transformed.

Love in an Infinite Form

A close source revealed the depth of the moment: “It was like fate whispering that nothing is truly lost.” For Hoda, the tears represented a vital realization. She had learned the difficult art of letting go of the idea of a traditional romance with Joel, only for a softer, more profound expression of care to return the warmth she had cherished. This act was not a proposal for a do-over, but an honoring of the beautiful, powerful bond that persists in the form of co-parenting and deep mutual respect.

In a world saturated with stories of bitter, contentious celebrity splits, Hoda and Joel’s continuing narrative offers a deeply resonating lesson. It illustrates that love is not a finite concept defined solely by romance or marriage. It can transform and evolve without diminishing, finding infinite forms that persist beyond the traditional relationship structure.

As Hoda steps into her new chapter, focusing on her family and personal fulfillment, this tearful moment serves as a powerful testament to her personal strength and the unwavering commitment she and Joel share toward their daughters, Haley and Hope. Their story is a moving reminder that sometimes, the heart finds its way back—not to the past, but to a gentler, far more enduring definition of family and love.