Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman first met at a Wall Street event in 2013. Joanne LaMarca Mathisen, the executive producer of Today, explained how it all started: "She saw Joel and thought he was really sweet and fun. And he was a friend of a friend of mine, and Joel happened to think Hoda was sweet and fun" (per Today).
In 2019, Kotb herself used the show to break the news of her engagement. Schiffman had proposed on vacation in Mexico one weekend, and Kotb broke the news to viewers the following Monday, saying, "I have to tell you something that a friend of mine, a friend of ours, asked me to let you guys in on a secret. I'll give you her initials. Her initials are Hoda Kotb, and she's engaged" (via Twitter). Fast forward to 2022, and Kotb let the world in on her relationship ending on "Today with Hoda & Jenna."
Kotb's honesty about her relationship coming to an end has certainly made an impact on her fans. On the host's Instagram, there are scores of supportive comments, such as, "Your announcement this morning was amazing and brave!!!! So important to share all life's seasons!" and "You are my role model for strength, honesty and dignity."
