Who Is Hoda Kotb's Fiancé?
Hoda Kotb is a highly-recognizable figure thanks to her role as the popular co-host of the Today show, a gig that gives her the opportunity to mingle with the biggest stars, and cover monumental events like the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding.
On the other hand, the love of her life, Joel Schiffman, isn't exactly a household name or a public figure at all, which is why you might not know a lot — or anything — about him. While Schiffman doesn't seem to seek out the spotlight, he also doesn't appear to shy away from a somewhat semi-public lifestyle, which is a good thing since Kotb likely won't be leaving her job in front of the cameras anytime soon. That means that both he and his famous partner have been open about certain aspects of who he is, what he does, and how the couple spends their time together. And there are certainly quite a few intriguing details about the man who won over the heart of this award-winning TV personality and devoted family woman.
If you're curious about who Hoda Kotb is settling down and making (sometimes literal) waves with, here is everything you want to know about her love, Joel Schiffman.
Joel Schiffman is a successful financier
Hoda Kotb meets plenty of interesting people in the entertainment industry as one of the hosts of the Today show, however, her partner, Joel Schiffman, wasn't one of them. In fact, he has nothing to do with show business. Schiffman is a financier with nearly 35 years of experience in the industry.
Schiffman reportedly "excel[led] in school, receiving a Bachelors Degree [in Economics] at the University of California and a Masters Degree from the University of Pennsylvania," according to Closer Weekly. After he completed his schooling, Schiffman worked for various companies while climbing the ladder, and, according to his LinkedIn profile, made his way to his current position as the Head of Intermediary Distribution of North America at Schroder Investment Management. They describe his work by indicating that he "oversee[s] Schroders' existing sub-advisory and insurance businesses" while also "build[ing] out the firm's Defined Contribution segment." That sounds... interesting?
While he may find the work he does intriguing, it's hard to imagine that his job-related stories at the end of the day can hold up against Kotb's since she gets to do things like host the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But we're sure she still listens intently to every detail when he responds to an inquiry of: "How was your day, dear?"
Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman's meet-cute almost didn't happen
Hoda Kotb appeared to have no problem navigating the single life following her divorce from former tennis coach Burzis Kanga in 2007 after two years of marriage, but that changed when she met Joel Schiffman. While sitting down for a chat on Bethenny in 2014, Kotb revealed — while grinning ear to ear — that she had "met someone." And while that was sweet enough, what made it seem like destiny was that Kotb met the love of her life at an event that she wasn't eager to attend but showed up for anyway.
"It was one of those events that they asked us to go speak at and it was pouring rain and it was a bunch of Wall Street guys," Kotb explained. "I didn't even want to go." Thankfully, she dutifully popped into the event and after delivering a talk, she was asked to sign some books. While the crowd wasn't exactly Kotb's target audience, one person was interested in what she was selling, or rather, was interested in the star herself (probably both).
"This guy walks up and he's goes, 'I'll take a book.' ... I go, 'Who do you want me to write it to — your girlfriend, your wife, your aunt?'" Kotb recalled. "And he goes, 'Write it to me.'" That guy was Schiffman. The two later connected via email, according to Good Housekeeping, and are now living happily-ever-after.
How did Hoda Kotb keep Joel Schiffman's identity a secret?
Hoda Kotb may be a well-known media personality who is highly recognizable, but it turns out that she's also super stealthy and can keep a secret. How do we know that? Well, the famous television host is apparently willing and able to use sneaky means in order to keep the details of her personal life private when she wants to. And that's just what she did early on in her relationship with Joel Schiffman. In order to protect his identity and give their relationship room to grow outside of the spotlight, Kotb gave him a nickname.
"Here's the thing ... you know when you're keeping something so close to the vest? And I have kept this so close to the vest, I didn't even say his name," Kotb admitted on Today (via Closer Weekly). That's when she noted, "We called him 'Boots' forever because we just showed his shoes [on the show]."
Kotb opened up about the desire to keep Schiffman a secret while talking to Bethenny in 2014, explaining that "some things, if you keep them private and quiet, they actually flourish and grow." Schiffman may agree with that as he still keeps his Instagram account locked down (if that's legitimately his account), hinting at the fact that he appreciates a certain level of privacy despite the fact that he's in a relationship with one of the most famous women in the country.
A tabloid outed Joel Schiffman and Hoda Kotb's relationship
Hoda Kotb may have initially kept Joel Schiffman's identity a secret, however, on Jan. 20, 2015, she "was forced to introduce the world to her guy, when British tabloid The Daily Mail published photos of the couple on the beach," according to The Stamford Advocate.
Kotb "beamed with joy as she was spotted on vacation in Miami with Joel in December 2013," the Daily Mail reported. "The couple have been seen out on the town in Manhattan, with Hoda taking her love as her guest to the 25th annual Chris Evert/Raymond James pro-celebrity tennis classic gala in November in Florida." The outlet added that the pair had "also joined Hoda's best friend Karen Swensen and her family at a Yankees game. And by New Year's Eve ... Joel joined Hoda at a celebratory dinner with her Today co-star Al Roker and his wife Deborah."
Although Kotb hadn't intended to reveal Schiffman's name at that time, when it happened, she admitted on Today (via Page Six), "I feel some relief. You know when you feel like you're keeping a secret? I talked to him this morning and I was like, 'Who cares?' And he was like, 'Who cares?'"
One person who cared was Billy Bush who was acting as Kotb's Today co-host at the time, who, as Page Six noted "seemed as giddy as Kotb about handsome, gray-haired Schiffman, going so far as to call him a 'stud.'" Easy, Billy!
Joel Schiffman is the father of Hoda Kotb's daughters
After meeting and falling in love, things were going so well between Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman, that they came to the point when they were ready to move in together. However, Kotb also realized that she couldn't take that step until she told her partner that she wanted to adopt a child. Thankfully for the hopeful mother, when she shared her thoughts, Schiffman was on board, and in February 2017, Kotb adopted a daughter, Haley Joy. Kotb exclaimed, "She is the love of my life!"
While Kotb was obviously overjoyed by the addition to her family, she didn't reveal if she was raising the little one with Schiffman even though he was around and seemingly involved. However, in March 2019, while on The Wendy Williams Show, Kotb talked about how they "now have Haley together," which prompted the host to ask if Schiffman is "on the papers." Kotb responded by saying, "He's the father."
That came soon before Kotb announced in April 2019 that she had adopted a second daughter, Hope Catherine. "This morning at breakfast, [two-year-old Haley] was trying to feed [Hope] her raspberries, and I was like, 'Not yet, babe.' She was literally marching around saying, 'I'm a big sister!'" So adorable! What's just as sweet are the examples of "Daddy-daughter" cuteness that Kotb shares of Schiffman and their girls on Instagram which is even cuter now that there are two little ones in the picture.
Does Joel Schiffman know how to propose or what?
When it comes to Hoda Kotb's relationship with Joel Schiffman, the pair like to do things their own way. That's why, while others get engaged before getting married and then having children, Kotb and Schiffman adopted their little ones and then he decided to propose.
On Nov. 25, 2019, Kotb announced on Today that she and Schiffman were engaged after six years together. "Joel proposed to me," Kotb said. The news came as a shock to Kotb's co-hosts, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker. Although it was Savannah Guthrie who had the most extreme reaction, exclaiming, "What are you talking about?!"
After a round of congratulations and hugs from her onscreen team, Kotb then showed off her new sparkler and revealed that the big moment took place while the couple was on vacation and enjoying a romantic meal on the beach. Kotb claimed that she wasn't expecting anything to happen, which is why she says, "We were done the dinner, I was eating the churros, I was licking the bottom of the bowl, and he was like, 'I have something else I'd like to say.'" Schiffman then told his love "some beautiful things and then he got down on one knee and said, 'Will you be my wife?'" Kotb obviously said yes.
Kotb also took to Instagram the day after she shared the news to post a picture of herself and her fiancé while also showing off the ring and writing, "He da man!"
Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman have a beautiful blended family
Joel Schiffman may be enjoying life as a parent as he raises two daughters with Hoda Kotb, however, he isn't a new dad. While chatting with Wendy Williams in March 2019, Kotb revealed that Schiffman has been married before and has a grown daughter, Kyle Schiffman.
Kyle opened up about her father later that year, telling Closer Weekly, "[H]e's a great dad and I love him dearly. He's always fun to hang around." She also explained that Joel has a good relationship with her mother, saying, "They're still very friendly. I mean, because of me. They have always wanted to make sure that at least kept a good relation for me. That's helped ... when I was growing up."
Kyle was also willing to open up about her dad's relationship with Hoda, saying, "It's great to finally see just the two of them are so happy. ... They just enjoy each other's time and they're perfect for each other and I love them both so much!"
Closer Weekly also notes that after Kyle dropped by Today to visit Hoda, she then "took to social [media] to gush about how 'awesome' her dad's girlfriend is." And if that's not proof enough that Kyle and Kotb have a great relationship, you can see it for yourself in the lovely picture Kotb posted of the trio of Instagram (above) which clearly shows them all with sweet smiles.
Life by the water is good for Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman
Joel Schiffman spends a lot of time around the water with Hoda Kotb and it's not hard to understand why when you get a glimpse of the pair enjoying time on the beach, on a dock, or on a boat. The family even celebrated an early Christmas at the beach in 2018 and are willing to go "beachin'" in December despite having to bundle up. That's surely why in 2018, Kotb bought a $2 million four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom waterfront home that "features a private swimming dock," according to Newsday.
The New York Times reported that the channelside getaway, located in Point Lookout, New York, sits in an area that's "only a few blocks wide and has water on three sides," which is why "activities ... focus on the water: kayaking, Jet-Skiing, canoeing, fishing, power-boating, and sailing. There are two public marinas, with boats available for rent or charter. ... [T]he highly social yacht club...holds regular races. ... [And] avid sailors are out on the water even in January."
Savvy social media watchers had already taken note of Kotb and Schiffman's preference for the area prior to the home purchase, according to Newsweek. And by the looks of it, these parents are enjoying every moment by the water with their daughter Haley who even has a swimsuit that matches her mom's. Now that's how to embrace beach life with your family!
Going out? Staying in? Hoda Kotb's fiancé is down for whatever
Joel Schiffman and Hoda Kotb are certainly a popular pair, which seems to suit the television star's fiancé just fine. If he's actually an introvert, he hides it well, because Shiffman can regularly be spotted accompanying Kotb out on the town for mouthwatering meals or to attend fabulously fancy events. Sometimes they can be seen spending a day in the sunshine with friends, again by the water, while other times they appreciate some quality time with extended family members, like Kotb's mom. Frankly, they even seem happy to just head out together for a fun Friday night.
However, Schiffman and Kotb also indulge in their adorably fun life together while taking advantage of her high profile and hookups by doing things like attending a Little Big Town concert with Jenna Bush Hager and actually hanging out with the band. Or meeting up with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill after an event for his book Grit & Grace. Kotb was sure to share a photo of the two couples together with the caption, "Tim had the audience of 1,000 spellbound. We laughed [and] we cried."
But Schiffman also appears to like to stay home with the family and honestly this is when they get truly adorable! Whether they're decorating for the holidays or enjoying a sweet bonding moment with their daughters, Schiffman is right in the middle of the face-smooshing fun.
Joel Schiffman knows his way around the kitchen (and barbecue)
Joel Schiffman is apparently a capable cook and Hoda Kotb seems to appreciate the tasty treats that he whips up, not only because of the fact that everything is surely delicious in its own way, but also because she's not terribly skilled in the kitchen herself. "I don't cook, but I would love to learn," she said on Bethenny (according to The Huffington Post). When it was pointed out that Kotb does a cooking segment as a part of her job — so has had plenty of opportunities to pick up a few culinary skills — the Today show host responded by saying: "I know but I don't listen. You know how they are. ... I tune out." Hopefully her guests aren't offended!
Thankfully for Kotb, Schiffman appears to be willing and able to handle things food-wise. Kotb often shares photos of the man she describes as "one hot chef" either in the kitchen or grilling something up at the barbecue (mmm, burgers and veggies). She also regularly praises her foodie fiancé by adding captions like, "Saturday dinner with chef Joel" while showing off a fish dish. "Dinner a la Joel" is apparently "delicious" even when he makes chicken and "burned broccoli" (yes, it's apparently supposed to be "burned") and his omelets earned him a "Whatta man!" We also have to wonder if he was responsible for what appeared to be an adorable homemade cake on Haley's first birthday because aw!
Joel Schiffman is 'the finest man' Hoda Kotb has 'ever met'
Joel Schiffman is pretty darn special, at least according to Hoda Kotb, who likes to let the world know why he's worthy of her love. Calling her fiancé "the finest man [she's] ever met" while on The Wendy Williams Show in March 2019, she added, "He's just everything." That's surely why they now plan to tie the knot and the reason she said during an interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in September 2018, "I love Joel. I mean, I'm going to be with Joel until my last breath, I know that."
Kotb also talked about why her relationship with Schiffman works so well, telling Us Weekly three years earlier, "I think we just genuinely like to be together. I don't know how else to put it. It's really simple, really."
And that seems to be backed up by the fact that in June 2019, Schiffman and Kotb celebrated over half a decade together. The famous host took to Instagram to share a special anniversary post that included a picture of herself and her love along with writing, "Yesterday marked 6 years with this incredible man. 6 years ... 2 children ... 2 new jobs ...1 grateful heart." Their love certainly does seem like something to be grateful for.