If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the rumors swirling. Someone spots a ring, or a "source" whispers about a secret romance, and suddenly the internet is convinced: Hoda Kotb engaged again? It’s the kind of news that feels like it would heal the collective soul of morning TV fans.
Honestly, we all want that for her.
But if you’re looking for a press release about a new fiancé, you’re going to be waiting a while. As of early 2026, Hoda Kotb is not engaged. In fact, her life looks a whole lot different than it did during those years we were all tracking her wedding plans with Joel Schiffman. She’s in what she calls her "Third Act," and it’s less about finding a husband and more about finding herself.
The Engagement That Didn’t Make It to the Altar
Let’s go back for a second because it’s easy to forget the timeline. Hoda and Joel Schiffman were the "goals" couple of the Today show for years. They met at a book signing in 2013—total rom-com stuff—and by 2019, Joel was down on one knee on a beach in Mexico.
Then the world stopped.
The pandemic didn't just delay their wedding; it changed the rhythm of their lives. They postponed once, then twice. While the rest of us were watching Hoda host from her basement, she was privately navigating a relationship that was shifting.
By January 2022, she sat next to Jenna Bush Hager and dropped the bombshell. No wedding. No engagement. Just two people who realized they were better as co-parents than life partners. It was a "prayerful" decision, she said. It was also incredibly brave.
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Why the Rumors Never Truly Die
People keep searching for "Hoda Kotb engaged" because she’s a romantic at heart. We’ve seen her cry at every wedding segment for twenty years. We want her to have the "big love."
And then there are the rings. Hoda wears jewelry. Sometimes she wears it on that finger. In late 2025, eagle-eyed fans noticed a sparkler during a book tour appearance and the rumors caught fire again. But Hoda has been very clear: she’s not hiding a secret fiancé.
Dating in Your 60s: Hoda’s Real Talk
Since the split with Joel, Hoda hasn't stayed in a cave. She’s actually been pretty open about dipping her toes back into the dating pool, though it hasn't been all sunshine and roses.
She famously went on a blind date set up by Jenna Bush Hager in 2024. It lasted three dates. The guy was "extremely handsome," but Hoda realized something important about herself. She’s a "fixer." She’s the person who tries to solve everyone else's problems.
"I told the truth... I am a total phony in my relationships. I’m a pretender."
That’s a quote from her 2025 memoir, Jump and Find Joy. She realized she was spending too much energy trying to fit into someone else's life instead of building one that fit her. So, she "tabled" that romance.
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Nowadays, she’s looking for what she calls a "soul connection." Not a project. Not a distraction. Just someone who adds to her life without subtracting from her peace.
Life After the Today Show
The biggest reason you haven't seen an engagement announcement? Hoda has been a little busy reinventing her entire existence.
In January 2025, she officially walked away from her anchor desk at Today. It was the end of an era. She moved to Westchester to give her daughters, Haley and Hope, a "slower" life. She launched a wellness brand called Joy 101. She started a new show called Joy Rides on QVC+.
Basically, she’s in her "yes" era, but it’s a "yes" to herself.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Relationship with Joel
There’s this weird assumption that because they aren't engaged anymore, they must be at odds. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Joel is still a massive part of her life. They do Father's Day together. They have barbecues in the backyard. They are the gold standard for co-parenting. Hoda has even said she "still loves him to this day," but it’s a "different kind of love."
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It’s the kind of love that lets you realize you’re holding each other back from the next version of yourselves.
The Reality of "Hoda Kotb Engaged" Searches
If you’re searching for this, you’re likely looking for a happy ending. But maybe the happy ending isn't a ring.
Hoda’s current "status" is complex:
- Single? Yes, officially.
- Dating? Open to it, but being extremely picky.
- Fulfilled? More than ever.
She’s 61, she’s a mom to two young girls, and she just walked away from one of the most prestigious jobs in television to find out who she is when the cameras aren't rolling. That’s a lot more interesting than a wedding.
Actionable Insights for Your Own "Third Act"
Whether you're a Hoda superfan or just someone navigating a mid-life shift, her journey offers some pretty solid blueprints for change.
- Stop being a "fixer." If you find yourself dating people just to help them "work through things," you’re likely ignoring your own needs. Hoda’s "epiphany" was realizing that "simplicity" is a valid requirement for a partner.
- Audit your time. Hoda talks about her life like a "pie." If your work or a mediocre relationship is taking up 90% of the crust, there’s no room for the good stuff.
- Redefine the "Happy Ending." An engagement isn't a trophy. Sometimes the most successful thing you can do for a relationship is end it before it turns bitter.
- Embrace the "Pivot." Turning 60 was a catalyst for Hoda. Don't wait for a round number to decide you want something different.
Hoda Kotb might get engaged again one day. She’s a believer in love, and she’s convinced her "person" is out there. But for now, the only commitment she’s making is to her kids, her peace, and her new brand of joy.
Keep an eye on her Making Space podcast—that’s where she usually drops the real tea when she’s ready to share.
Next Steps for You: If you’re feeling inspired by Hoda’s "leap of faith," start by doing a "Time Audit" of your own week. Identify one activity or relationship that is "subtracting" from your energy and decide if it’s time to "table it beautifully," just like Hoda did.