Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman's Epic Love Journey Unraveled

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman have called it quits after being together for almost a decade. Their romantic relationship came to an end, marking the end of their journey that began when they first met years ago. Kotb shared the story of how they first crossed paths during an event she didn't initially want to attend. Despite the pouring rain and the crowd of Wall Street guys, Kotb had to give a speech. As she was leaving, bored attendees requested her autograph, and Schiffman, who was next in line, asked her to sign a picture for him. In response, Kotb asked who she should write it to, and Schiffman casually suggested, "How about to me?"

As their relationship deepened, people frequently inquired whether the TV personality had any intentions of getting married again. Prior to this, Kotb had been married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008.

During a rare interview with Radar Online in 2018, Kanga opened up about their divorce, stating, "The divorce occurred during challenging circumstances. Both of us had personal reasons for it. Looking back, I acknowledge my own immaturity and the mistakes I made. It's regrettable that our marriage was brief. It's unfortunate that it unfolded in that manner."

After adopting her daughter Haley in 2017, questions arose regarding Hoda Kotb's future with Schiffman. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in January 2018, Kotb expressed that they were considering the possibility of getting married. She emphasized that their current dynamic as Haley's parents was strong and there was no rush to tie the knot. Kotb believed that they were enjoying their lives as it was and saw no issue with continuing in their current arrangement.

In April 2019, their family expanded once more as she welcomed her adopted daughter, Hope. Later that same year, in November, he surprised her with a proposal.

During an appearance on the Today show, Kotb shared the heartfelt moment, recounting how he expressed his love and admiration before getting down on one knee. Completely taken aback, she admitted to being completely surprised, noting his exceptional poker face.

Less than three years later, she made the announcement of their separation. "Joel and I have engaged in numerous heartfelt and contemplative discussions during the holiday season. As a result, we have concluded that our compatibility is better suited for friendship and co-parenting rather than being engaged partners," she revealed to Today viewers in January 2022. "Therefore, we have decided to embark on this new year by embracing our roles as loving parents to our charming and delightful children, while maintaining our friendship."

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Today’s Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman’s Relationship Timeline

Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman have called it quits after almost ten years together. Despite their initial meeting at an event she didn't want to attend, the Today show co-anchor and the financier formed a romantic relationship. Kotb shared the story of their first encounter on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in 2015, where she mentioned meeting Schiffman at a rainy event filled with Wall Street guys. Despite the circumstances, Schiffman caught her attention by asking for her autograph and suggesting she write it to him.

Throughout the course of their relationship, the TV personality frequently faced inquiries about her willingness to take the journey down the aisle once more. Prior to her current situation, Kotb had been previously married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008.

In a rare interview regarding their separation, Kanga shared with Radar Online in 2018, "The divorce occurred amidst challenging circumstances. Both of us had personal reasons for this outcome. Looking back, I acknowledge my own immaturity and the mistakes I made. It is regrettable that our marriage lasted such a brief period of time. It is truly unfortunate how it unfolded."

Kotb addressed questions about her future with Schiffman after adopting daughter Haley in 2017. Speaking to Ellen DeGeneres in January 2018, she expressed that they were considering getting married. Kotb emphasized that their current dynamic as Haley's parents was strong and that there was no rush to tie the knot. She shared that they were enjoying their lives and felt content with their relationship as it was.

In April 2019, their family expanded once more as she welcomed her adopted daughter, Hope. Later that year, in November, he surprised her with a proposal.

During an appearance on the Today show, Kotb shared the heartwarming details of the proposal. "He had something else he wanted to say," she recalled. "He spoke such beautiful words and then, unexpectedly, he dropped down on one knee." Kotb admitted to being completely taken aback by the proposal, adding, "I was totally shocked. He had a remarkable poker face."

In less than three years, however, she revealed their separation. "After having numerous thoughtful and prayerful discussions with Joel during the holidays, we have come to the realization that we are better suited to be friends and co-parents rather than an engaged couple," she shared with Today viewers in January 2022. "As a result, we have made the decision to embark on this new year as loving parents to our incredibly charming children, while maintaining a friendship."

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

2013

After delivering a speech at an event in New York City, they crossed paths and connected.

"I reached out to someone who was present there, asking them to gather information about him. I was completely clueless about him," Kotb revealed during her conversation with Andy Cohen in 2015. "All I knew was that he wasn't wearing a wedding ring. Then, she emailed him, and he subsequently reached out to me, inviting me for a date."