Hoda Kotb Says She's Certain She'll Find Love Again: 'I Can Sometimes Feel Him'

Mar. 15, 2025

Hoda Kotbis optimistic about her romantic future.

“You know who I thought was hot? He died, sorry — a while ago.Brian Dennehy,” said Kotb, 58. “There was something about him. He had that whole, police officer strong [quality]. Like, there was something about him. He was big, but he was hot.”

Bush Hager, 40, followed up, “Is that what I should be looking out forwhen I am trying to set you up? I gotta do a little Google search this afternoon.”

Kotb then opened up about her hopes for her love life going forward.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Hoda Kotb attends the 2022 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame

Earlier this year, Kotbannounced her separationfrom her longtime partner,Joel Schiffman, after eight years together. The former couple — whogot engagedin November 2019 — share daughters Hope, 3, andHaley, 5.

“Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and meaningful conversations over the holidays and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents thanwe are as an engaged couple,” she said onToday with Hoda & Jennain January. “Sowe decidedwe are going to start this new year … on our new path as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children, and as friends.”

Recently, Kotb told Bush Hagershe was interested in being set up on a date— and she wanted her colleague to do the honors.

“Because you know me, and I trust you,” she said to Bush Hager on the morning show. “If you didn’t know me, even if we were anchoring and pretending, then I wouldn’t say yes. But you do know me.”

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Today with Hoda & Jennaairs weekday mornings (check local listings).

source: people.com