Hoda Kotb Engaged to Joel Schiffman

  Hoda Kotb, co-anchor for the NBC News show, Today, accepted Joel Schiffman's proposal in November 2019. Though Hoda kept their relationship off the record for the majority of the past five six, she opted to announce their engagement on the Today show.  

The Meet Cute

As an author and journalist, Hoda often finds herself facing an audience. On one such evening, in 2013, she found herself in front of a group of Wall Street execs. After giving her speech, which she felt sure bored the group of men, she wanted to leave. However, they asked her to stay and sign a few of her books. Most of the men wanted books for someone else. Her fears confirmed, she gritted her teeth and signed book after book to their grandmas, girlfriends, sisters, etc. She asked the question one more time, "Who do you want me to write it to -- your girlfriend, your wife, your aunt?" (source) "How about to me?" replied Joel Schiffman. (source) Glancing up at him, she took a mental note and later asked around about his dating status. A mutual friend connected them through email, they went on their first date, and they've never looked back.  

The Proposal

On their annual vacation to Mexico in November 2019, Hoda and Joel enjoyed a quiet dinner on the tropical beach. In an interview with Parade magazine, Hoda explained that as she licked the bottom of her bowl of churros, Joel announced that he wanted to say a few things. "...he said some beautiful things, and then he got down on one knee, and he said would you be my wife?" (source) Soon after, she posted a vague reference on Instagram: "And suddenly you know...it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings." (Parade) Then on November 25th, during the Today show, she teased her co-anchors a bit. "I have to tell you something. A friend of mine, a friend of ours, asked me to let you guys in on a secret. I'll give you her initials. Her initials are Hoda Kotb, and she's engaged." (Parade)  

The Engagement Ring

Of course, she showed everyone her beautiful ring. Hoda revealed to People that Joel worked closely with jewelry designer Jennifer Miller to design the perfect ring. Together, they decided on an Asscher cut diamond surrounded by a blue sapphire halo. It features a geometric design with an elongated octagon and rectangular proportions. White diamonds pave the shoulders. So unique and beautiful. Not surprisingly, Joel opted for a jeweler Hoda knew and trusted. In 2014, Jennifer appeared on the Today show to share the history of her jewelry brand and her experience in the industry. "What touched me so much about this ring is that he thought about it," Hoda told People. (source)    

Who is Hoda Kotb?

Hoda Kotb (pronounced "cot-B") lives in the spotlight of NBC's popular news program, The Today Show. Prior to settling down as a co-anchor for the program, she worked as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Hoda Kotb also writes books. Since October 2010, the year she released her autobiography, Hoda has released six non-fiction books, as well as a handful of children's books. Prior to the release of her first book, Hoda allowed Today cameramen to follow her throughout her journey with breast cancer. During her ordeal, she underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, all the while allowing the show to document her experience. She continues to tell her story in order to raise awareness for breast cancer. (source)  

Who is Joel Schiffman?

For years, Today fans knew him only as 'Boots'. Hoda carefully curated privacy for the couple until The Daily Mail outed the couple after two years of secrecy, with photographs of them together on the beach. Now, the world knows that Joel Schiffman works as Head of Insurance Sales at an investment management company. (source) He played rugby in college and now enjoys a net worth of approximately $19 million. (source) More important than all that, however, remains the fact that Hoda Kotb describes him as "the finest man" she has ever met. (source) She told Oprah Magazine, "He's an unbelievable father..." (source) Speaking of fatherhood, Hoda and Joel are raising two beautiful adopted daughters, Haley and Hope. Congratulations to the happy family! ~Angela Magnotti Andrews