On Father's Day, TV anchor Hoda Kotb took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with her partner of five years, Joel Schiffman, and their adorable one-year-old daughter, Haley Joy. The sweet video posted on June 17 shows little Haley gleefully identifying Joel as "Dada," melting hearts everywhere.
Hoda's Tribute to Joel on Father's Day
In the video, Hoda, standing behind the camera, asks her daughter, "Who's that?" without hesitation, Haley points her tiny finger at Joel's mouth and exclaims, "Dada!" Joel playfully nibbles on his daughter's hand, capturing the essence of their loving family dynamic. This moment speaks volumes about Hoda's life right now. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Today co-host gushed about Joel, saying, "He's not only a great partner, but he'll be with me for the rest of my life. He's an incredible father to Haley."
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Five Years of Love and Counting
As Hoda and Joel celebrate their fifth year together this summer, it's evident that their bond is stronger than ever. But is a wedding in the cards? A close friend of the couple exclusively told Closer Weekly, "Hoda loves that man so much! Of course she'll marry him. The longer they stay together, the stronger their connection becomes." Despite this, Hoda, now 53, isn't in a rush to tie the knot. She's been candid about her past marriage to tennis coach Burzis Kanga, which ended in divorce after two years. When asked about marriage, she joked to E! News, "I've gone down that road once, so I would've normally said definitely not," but admitted, "The fact that I'm now saying 'I don’t know' is saying something."
A Family That Keeps Growing
Their family dynamic has deepened since adopting Haley in February 2017, just months after moving in together. Hoda's hesitation stems from her desire not to rush things. "She's been ready to wed Joel," the friend explained, "but she doesn’t want to jinx anything because they're getting along so well." Joel, also divorced with a grown daughter, met Hoda at a book signing in 2013. They took their time, keeping their relationship private for two years, referring to Joel as "Boots" before revealing his identity. Now, they're truly soulmates.
View this post on InstagramChristmas spirit — check! Tree— check! Haley Joy’s first Christmas on the way ! 🌲❤️👶🏼
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Building a Life Together
Hoda began opening up about Joel publicly in 2015, and they moved in together the following year. She's now openly gushing about their happiness, calling Joel "the man I've dreamt of." Her friends, like Kathie Lee Gifford, are thrilled for her and eagerly awaiting a wedding invitation. "If Kathie Lee had anything to say about it, she would have married them herself years ago," the friend revealed. Instead, the couple made another significant commitment when they adopted Haley last year. "She will call him Dad," Hoda said at the time, and now she does.
A Recipe for Success
What makes their relationship work so well? "Joel respects Hoda," the friend explained. "He finds her sexy. She thinks he's the most handsome guy in the world." They share similar interests, enjoying quiet evenings at home and trips to the beach. Their love was strong before Haley, but now they're a tight-knit threesome. "They were in love before Haley," the friend said, "but now they're a much stronger unit." Until they decide to get married, Hoda is content enjoying her family just as it is. "Joel is the perfect fit for me," she told Entertainment Tonight. "And when [Haley] says 'Dada,' I don't know that there's a sweeter sound."
For more on Hoda Kotb, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!
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