How long were Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman together? Broadcaster opens up about her relationship with ex in new book

Broadcaster Hoda Kotb opened up about her relationship with her ex-partner, Joel Schiffman. The couple was together for almost eight years and was also engaged in 2019. She shared candid details about their relationship in her new book Jump and Joy, released a day ago.

As per The U.S. Sun, the 61-year-old journalist said the decision to call off their relationship wasn’t an easy one, despite knowing that this was what they needed to do. In the book, she wrote:

“It came from a place of love, not anger, which makes a big difference.”

She also mentioned how she wanted to adopt a baby after her relationship with Joel Schiffman began. Hoda Kotb wrote that he did not even think twice before getting on board with the decision. Reminiscing about the time, she wrote:

“I literally fell onto his chest and wept. I sobbed, my tears a huge release of relief and gratitude. It was one of the first times I said the word ‘adoption’ out loud.”

Meanwhile, Hoda Kotb explained that her breakup with Joel Schiffman did not happen because of cheating, scandal, or drama. She said they had simply grown apart, and their situation was not like the messy breakups people usually hear about in songs. However, she praised Joel Schiffman, writing:

“I guess it just seemed strange to some folks that Joel and I skipped past the marriage and divorce part and went straight to the great friends and coparent’s part. But when you care about someone the way we care about each other, it’s easy. We want the best for one another and our girls. Joel’s a great guy, a great dad, and a great friend.”

Hoda Kotb looks back on the transitions in her life and her thoughts about love

On September 23, Hoda Kotb sat down with Savannah Guthrie on Today to discuss the book. She said that when she thought about leaving the Today show, she compared it to making a scary jump. She wondered how people make big or small decisions, whether they wait, make a list of pros and cons, trust their feelings, or decide on a certain day because they feel tired. Kotb noted:

“So, I started writing about the times that I jumped.”

She went on:

“I jumped from market to market. We both jumped into motherhood. We both jumped into relationships and out of them. And I think once you realize, ‘Oh, I'm still standing at the end of this. Like, oh, I'm still good. Oh, I still have my mojo.’ So, I feel like that practice gets you ready for big ones.”

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At one point during the conversation, Guthrie mentioned how Kotb made a change in her romantic relationship. Hoda Kotb said that sometimes people get so busy in a relationship that time quickly passes, which can feel nice too.

However, after going to a retreat, she realized something about her life, which is that she could still love someone deeply and yet understand that the person wasn’t right for her at that time. Hoda Kotb felt ready to focus on other parts of her life that needed attention.

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