Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Her First Date Following Joel Schiffman Separation
After two years, Hoda Kotb, formerly engaged to Joel Schiffman, candidly discusses her recent return to the dating scene with a touching revelation.
Hoda Kotb Reveals She Went on Her 1st Date in 2 Years
Hoda Kotb. Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Hoda Kotb is getting back into dating and recently went on a date after two years. She shared the exciting news on The Kelly Clarkson Show, expressing her happiness about finally having a date again.
Kelly Clarkson was surprised by Kotb's confession and responded, "That's amazing. That's amazing to even be able to do that." Appreciating her friend's compliment, Kotb explained that it was "just a date."
This romantic news comes after Kotb and Joel Schiffman ended their engagement two years ago. The couple, who had been in a relationship for eight years, have two daughters together, Haley, 7, and Hope, 4.
Kotb revealed their breakup on a January 2022 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. She expressed that after deep conversations, she and Joel decided they are better off as friends and co-parents rather than engaged partners. They are starting the new year focusing on their children and their friendship.
Following this news, Kotb mentioned that she is ready to start dating again. She then asked Clarkson if she ever thought about dating after finalizing her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022. Clarkson and Blackstock have two children together, daughter River, 9, and son Remington, 7.
Hoda Kotb Reveals She Went on Her 1st Date in 2 Years
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
"I don't miss having a man in my life at all. It's just too much to handle with all the responsibilities like work, taking care of the kids, and being there for them when I'm home. Sometimes people still expect things from you even when you're off duty, but I'm like, 'No, we're home now. Let's take a break.'"
After a good laugh, Kotb complimented Clarkson for her resilience and strength.
"You brought those roots to New York City all of a sudden and stuck them in fertile ground. Look at how much has changed for you since you moved here," Kotb said. "It's like everything is happening in slow motion."
Continuing to praise Clarkson's progress, she added, "You are flourishing in a way that I didn't see all those years ago. You are thriving, my girl, and I'm so proud of you."
Two months after finalizing her divorce with Blackstock in March 2022, Clarkson made the decision to relocate her family and The Kelly Clarkson Show from Los Angeles to New York City.
A source revealed in May 2023 that the move to New York would not significantly affect Clarkson and Blackstock's coparenting dynamic, as they were already living in different states and Clarkson had primary custody.
"Kelly is really excited for this next chapter and looking forward to a fresh start," shared an insider.
In addition to building her new home in NYC, she also closed a chapter in her financial relationship with her ex. Earlier this year, Clarkson completed her final spousal support payment to Blackstock. According to court documents obtained by Us, Clarkson agreed to pay Blackstock $115,000 in spousal support monthly until January 2024 and also paid a one-time, tax-free fee of $1,326,161.
Kelly is finally done with paying spousal support to Brandon. According to a source from Us, she has been looking forward to this moment for quite some time. She feels relieved and happy that her financial obligations to Brandon are now over. With the new year, she is grateful that this chapter of her life can finally come to a close.
