Bestselling Author & Beloved Host; Former Co-Anchor, NBC News' TODAY
Hoda Kotb: Biography at a Glance
- As co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Hoda Kotb became a trusted voice in American households for 17 years, known for her warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect across generations.
- A trailblazing journalist and storyteller, Hoda has earned numerous prestigious honors—including multiple Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, Edward R. Murrow Award, and several Gracie Awards—recognizing her powerful contributions to broadcast journalism.
- From covering war zones and global conflicts to the personal aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hoda brings a deeply human perspective to major news events, emphasizing resilience, empathy, and hope.
- A New York Times bestselling author of nine books, Hoda shares transformative stories of joy, healing, and purpose on the air, on the page, and in her podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb.
- Her latest book, Hope is a Rainbow, is a lyrical celebration of optimism and wonder, inspiring children (and the young at heart) to dream big and find joy in life’s simple moments.
- As a cancer survivor and founder of the wellness community Joy 101, she is a passionate advocate for wellness, mental health, and living with intention—empowering others to find light even in life’s darkest moments.
- Whether addressing corporate leaders, students, or everyday dreamers, Hoda delivers with humor, heart, and a message that inspires audiences to embrace their stories, their voice, and their joy.
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Biography
Hoda Kotb has claimed her role as one of America’s foremost journalists, authors, and entertainers. Most well known as the former co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she is also the host of the popular podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb, and founder of a new wellness community and platform, Joy 101. Kotb joined TODAY as a co-host of the fourth hour in 2008, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, and recently departed following 17 successful years with the show.
Since joining NBC News in 1998, Kotb has served as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. She has covered a wide variety of domestic and international stories across all NBC News platforms, as well as numerous human-interest stories and features. She covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a story personal to Kotb, who lived in New Orleans for six years. Additionally, she reported on the war in Iraq, the conflict in the West Bank and Gaza, and the War on Terror in Afghanistan. Kotb was a part of the network’s extensive coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, 2012 Summer Olympics in London, 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
A New York Times bestselling author, Kotb has written nine books: You Are My Happy; I’ve Loved You Since Forever; Where We Belong; Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives; Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee; I Really Needed This Today; This Just Speaks to Me; Hope is a Rainbow. Her newest book, Jump and Find Joy, will be released September 23, 2025.
Kotb was recognized with a 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for her work on TODAY with Kathie Lee and Hoda. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, Kotb was awarded Daytime Emmys as part of TODAY’s recognition as the best morning news program. In 2022, Kotb was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and she received a Gracie Award for On-Air News Talent. In 2021, she was recognized by New York Women in Communications with the Matrix Award for her excellence in broadcast journalism. In 2016 and 2018, she received Gracie Awards for Outstanding Host in Entertainment/Information for her radio show, The Hoda Show on SiriusXM. In 2015, she was honored with a Gracie Award for Outstanding Host in News/Non-fiction and a Webby Award for her ‘Truly Brave’ music video, which focuses on pediatric cancer. Kotb received additional Gracie Awards in 2008 and 2003, the Alfred I. duPont –Columbia University award in 2008, a Peabody Award in 2006 for her “Dateline NBC” report, “The Education of Ms. Groves,” and a 2002 Edward R. Murrow Award.
Prior to joining NBC News, Kotb worked at WWL-TV, the CBS affiliate in New Orleans, from 1992 to 1998 as an anchor and reporter for the 10 p.m. news broadcast. From 1989 to 1991, she was a weekend anchor and reporter for WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida.
Kotb graduated from Virginia Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism. She resides in the suburbs of New York City with her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
Topics
Making Space for Joy: Resilience, Reinvention, and the Power of Perspective
From reporting in war zones to becoming one of America’s most beloved morning show hosts, Hoda Kotb’s journey is a testament to the strength of resilience, reinvention, and joy. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kotb shares lessons from her decades-long career in journalism, her personal battles with adversity, and her mission to help others find meaning and connection even in life’s most challenging moments.
Drawing from her bestselling books, award-winning reporting, and her work building the Joy 101 wellness platform, Kotb offers a deeply human perspective on overcoming setbacks, leading with empathy, and making space for joy in our lives and work. With her signature warmth and authenticity, she invites audiences to reflect on what really matters and how to show up for it.
