Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman announced their divorce on January 31. The former couple has two girls and has been together since 2013. Kotb and Schiffman had been dating for a few years before going public with their relationship in 2015. Joel proposed to Hoda at a quiet supper by the ocean in November 2019. Although they planned to marry in November 2020, Kotb wanted to make sure that everyone could attend since the Covid-19 epidemic made it impossible for everyone to enjoy important events.
The reasons behind Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman’s divorce
The revelation was revealed by the prominent television personality on Monday when appearing on Today with Hoda & Jenna, where the audience wondered why she wasn’t wearing the engagement ring. Hoda stated:
“We had a lot of spiritual and deep talks over the holidays, and we determined that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple, so we chose to start this new year… on our new road as loving parents to our lovely, wonderful children, and as friends.”
The television journalist told co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, that sometimes partnerships are supposed to be there for a purpose, a season, or a lifetime. She believed that their connection was only supposed to last a season. Kotb confessed that she felt strange and uneasy since she didn’t know what to say or how to express it. She also reflected on the highlights of her relationship with Joel, saying:
“A lot of ladies understand how this feels… to be altering my life path, and I’m feeling pretty fearless right now, which is an odd sensation to have. But, every now and again, you simply have to express the truth.”
The author also said that Schiffman is a nice and kind guy, and that he considers himself fortunate to have spent eight years with him. She assured them that they would be terrific parents to their children.
Hoda Kotb discusses motherhood with Joel Schiffman.
Hoda Kotb discussed her path to adopting their kids and how Joel supported her during an appearance on People’s podcast Me Becoming Mom in October 2021. The 57-year-old admitted that she was terrified when she approached her then-fiancé to discuss adoption. She stated:
“I looked him in the eyes and said, ‘I’d want to talk about adoption with you.'” And for a split second, I was thinking, ‘Is this the end of a romance or the beginning of a family?’ This is all occurring in a second.”
When she learned Joel was on board with the concept, she knew she had chosen a guy who prioritized her pleasure above his own convenience at the time.
