How Hoda Kotb Used a 'Today' Show Guest to Play Matchmaker

Hoda Kotb Once Asked a Today Guest for Their Number to Help Find Dates

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Hoda Kotb has enlisted the support of some well-known individuals in her quest to discover new love.

During a segment called “The Hot Seat” on the episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna that aired on Wednesday, April 17, Kotb, who is 59 years old, was posed with a question about whether she has ever received a phone number from a guest. In response, the TV personality shared that she has indeed received a phone number with the assistance of her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, but she mentioned that things did not turn out as she had hoped.

"We asked a guest we really liked to come on the show, but unfortunately, they were busy, in a relationship, and had children," Kotb shared. "So, we decided to reach out to our friends for recommendations. That's how we ended up getting a contact number for the show."

Bush Hager, who Kotb mentioned helps her in this area, mentioned that Kotb doesn't just ask for guests' numbers with the intention of finding a romantic partner. "She's open to both making new friends and going on potential dates," she clarified.

On Monday's episode of Hoda & Jenna, the cohosts delved into the topic of relationships, specifically discussing the advantages and disadvantages of social media in today's dating world. Kotb mentioned how social media exposes everyone's past, making it difficult to hide or pretend, especially when it comes to dating.

Kotb admitted to occasionally searching for information about potential romantic partners online. She expressed a preference for knowing less about someone before meeting them, suggesting that getting to know someone in person allows for a more genuine connection, as people change and evolve over time.

Bush Hager, who is 42 years old, also shared her thoughts. She mentioned, “If you’re only looking at headlines on Google, you're not really getting to know someone. You're just seeing a brief snapshot, a single story about them.”

Hoda Kotb Once Asked a Today Guest for Their Number to Help Find Dates

Kotb emphasized the importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to love. She noted that sometimes guys who seem charming at first can turn out to be the opposite.

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Kotb has been open about her love life since breaking up with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, in 2022 after being together for eight years. She recently shared with Bush Hager that going on a date is simply about dressing up and putting yourself out there.

For Kotb, going on a date is a chance to take a break from work and kids. She finds it refreshing to just focus on being an adult for a change. (Kotb shares daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 4, with Schiffman, who is 65 years old.)

Kotb posted a selfie on Instagram with her driver, Eddie, which led to speculation about a possible romance between them. However, Bush Hager made it clear on Hoda & Jenna that their relationship is purely platonic.

She pointed out, "Just because he's your Eddie, doesn't mean he's your romantic Eddie." Bush Hager also jokingly mentioned that for those who thought Kotb had found "The One," she is still searching.

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