Hoda Kotb's Inspiring Journey: Overcoming Divorce and Breast Cancer with Resilience

Hoda Kotb candidly spoke about going through some of the toughest moments in her life. She faced a divorce and breast cancer simultaneously, and during that time, she felt like she was barely able to function. She questioned if this was how life is supposed to be. Reflecting on her lowest moments, Kotb realized that her poor health was contributing to her struggles. At the time, she didn't prioritize her well-being, and the situation only worsened.

Shortly after winning an Emmy, the individual revealed her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy in 2007. Less than a year later, she disclosed her separation from her then-husband, Burzis Kanga, after being married for three years. Nearly 15 years later, she expressed regret for not prioritizing self-care during that period. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the importance of taking time for oneself and recognizes the positive impact it has made in her life today.

Kotb quickly recovered physically from her mastectomy, but the medication she took afterwards prevented her from conceiving. Devastated, she found herself dwelling on self-blame and questioning her actions. In a 2022 interview with Good Housekeeping, she reflected, "I was in my room, and I just broke down. I thought to myself, 'Well, that's it then, isn't it?' It's almost like you believe it's your fault. 'Why didn't I do this? Why didn't I do that?'" She pushed away the harsh reality because it felt impossible to bear. How does one cope with the knowledge that their desires and physical needs may never align?

Nearly half a decade following the heartbreaking news, Kotb initiated a romantic relationship with Joel Schiffman, resulting in the couple's adoption of their beloved daughters, Haley and Hope, in the years 2017 and 2019, respectively. (Unfortunately, Schiffman, 65, and Kotb decided to part ways in January 2022.) The esteemed news anchor has remained candid about the criticisms she faced for choosing to adopt children during her fifties.

During an episode of the Today show in April, Joel Schiffman and Hoda Kotb discussed a letter that had been sent to Kotb's house. The letter, written by hand, criticized her for having a child at her age and questioned the impact it would have on the child. This letter deeply affected Kotb and made her question whether her decision to have a child was wise or potentially harmful.

Having lost her father during her college years, Kotb drew upon her upbringing as a personal coping mechanism for handling the onslaught of negative feedback. Reflecting on the finite nature of parental presence in one's life, she reminded herself of the valuable foundation her father had instilled in her, reassuring herself that the time spent with him had been worthwhile. Recognizing the emotional impact of such criticism, she found solace in these thoughts.