Hoda Kotb's Heartwarming Reunion Surprise: Daughter Hope, 4, Takes the Stage with Fearless Confidence
Hoda Kotb proudly shared how her fearless 4-year-old daughter, Hope, fearlessly joined her on stage during a captivating speech at her high school reunion
Hoda Kotb made a heartwarming appearance at her high school reunion, accompanied by her adorable four-year-old daughter, Hope. The Today show host proudly invited Hope on stage, captivating the audience as she sported her cherished cheerleading uniform from her school days.
"It was a delight. Towards the end, I recounted a tale about my delayed success in high school and in life, and how all the marvelous events in my life transpired after reaching 50," disclosed Kotb, aged 59, on the Monday, October 2 edition of Today. "I shared my journey of having my daughters after the age of 50."
Kotb is the proud mother of Hayley, 6, and Hope, whom she shares with her former partner Joel Schiffman. They adopted their beloved daughters in 2017 and 2018 respectively. As the keynote speaker at her former Fort Hunt High School reunion, she took the opportunity to open up about her experience of motherhood.
I consider receiving a call from the adoption agency as one of the most memorable moments in my life. Despite never experiencing childbirth, the moment I answered the phone and heard the words "She's here" from the woman on the other end, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy. It was at that moment that Hope decided to make her entrance.
Courtesy of Hoda Kotb/Instagram
As I attended my reunion, I proudly announced, "And she's here." Little Hope fearlessly made her way to the stage, sporting my former high school cheerleading uniform," Kotb exclaimed with excitement. "Overall, it was an enjoyable weekend where I had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. It was an incredibly remarkable experience."
She described it as one of those incredibly surreal moments and mentioned that Hayley was home to spend time with her grandmother. The excursion occurred a few months after Hope experienced a health scare. Following a long absence from the NBC morning show in February and March, Kotb informed Today viewers that Hope had spent a few days in the ICU and over a week in the hospital.
The TV personality chose not to reveal the specific details regarding her daughter's health scare. However, she expressed her gratitude for having her daughter back home and eagerly awaiting this day. The mom continues to closely monitor her daughter's progress and feels overwhelmed with joy.
Since that time, the mother has been relishing in every precious moment with her children. Earlier this month, Kotb pleasantly surprised Today viewers by unexpectedly leaving the show mid-broadcast to personally accompany her daughters on their first day of school.
Kotb eagerly inquired the producers, "Is it alright if I leave immediately?" During the September 6 episode, cohost Savannah Guthrie clarified that Kotb was "in a rush" as it was "the first day of school."
"I'll be accompanying my children to school," confirmed Kotb. "Goodbye for now!"
She finished drop off and was back for the third hour of the show, Today With Hoda and Jenna.
