Hoda Kotb, the former co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, has opened up about the ongoing concerns she faces regarding her youngest daughter, Hope, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes earlier this year. In a candid interview with USA Today, the 62-year-old maternal figure expressed the constant worry that accompanies parenting a child with such a serious health condition.
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Hope, aged seven, experienced a sudden onset of troubling symptoms that resulted in a two-week hospital stay in February 2023. This unexpected situation led Kotb to temporarily step away from her responsibilities at Today to focus on her daughter’s health. In May of that year, the loving mother shared the news of Hope’s diagnosis, detailing the demanding nature of managing diabetes, which requires round-the-clock monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular insulin injections.
“Everyone’s got something,” Kotb remarked, revealing the perpetual concern that lingers in her mind. “I worry about my youngest daughter, who has diabetes. I go to sleep, I watch my phone all night to see what her numbers are doing. I wake up and see. That’s just constant. That is how it is.” Despite the explosive run of responsibilities, she manages to seek out positivity amidst the challenges.
“Sometimes I can go in and do a breathwork session to release all this stress,” Kotb explained. “Then I feel ready to support Hope and Haley. It’s a balancing act where we’re constantly dealing with life’s ups and downs, but I choose to embrace that climb up the mountain.”
Kotb shares both of her daughters with her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman. The past few years have brought their share of challenges and heartaches, but it is through the experience with Hope that she has gained insight into resilience and strength. “It’s kind of constant care for Hope. We’re monitoring her 24/7,” she said. “She has been a trooper throughout the treatment, managing four or five shots a day for a full year. Thankfully, the routine has lessened now, thanks to other treatment options.”
Kotb went on to discuss the implications of Hope’s diagnosis. “Some kids can have sweets, and she can’t,” noting the unique hurdles that their family must navigate. “If she’s up in the night, we need to be ready to take care of her. She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid, and while diabetes is part of her life, it does not define who she is. I hope it shapes her but never defines her.”
Since stepping away from her role at Today in September 2024, Kotb has refocused her energy towards her family, attributing a significant shift in priorities. In a heartfelt address to her colleagues at NBC, she expressed her desire to devote more time to her daughters and mother, stating, “My daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.”
Visible to fans and colleagues alike, Kotb’s maternal instincts shine through her words and actions. She has chosen to take a step back from the demanding world of broadcasting to prioritise her family. Her steadfast commitment demonstrates the importance of family, something she holds close to her heart.
As she moves forward, Kotb remains resilient in her approach to motherhood and the ever-present challenges that come with it. With an unwavering sense of determination, she continues to advocate not only for her daughter but for all families navigating the challenges of chronic illness.