It’s not easy for any parent to share when their child is facing a serious health challenge.
But for Hoda Kotb, who’s spent years comforting others on national television, opening up about her own family’s struggles is both brave and deeply personal.
On Wednesday morning, the Today show co-anchor returned to the studio with an emotional update about her youngest daughter, six-year-old Hope—revealing that she has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
A Difficult Diagnosis, Two Years After a Health Scare
Hope’s health battle actually began over two years ago, in early 2023, when Hoda abruptly stepped away from the show for what was only described at the time as a “family health matter.”
She later explained that Hope had been hospitalized unexpectedly and spent several days in intensive care.
“At the time, we didn’t know what was going on,” Hoda recalled.
“She looked like she had the flu, and we literally had to race to the hospital. It turned out to be something completely different.”
Now, the family finally has answers. Hope’s condition was confirmed to be Type 1 diabetes—a lifelong condition that requires constant monitoring.
Constant Monitoring and New Routines
In her conversation with co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, Hoda got real about what everyday life looks like now.
“Hope is perfectly fine most of the day,” she shared.
“There are just a few moments you have to stay on top of—like five minutes at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes during the night.”
She added, “When you add that up, it’s just about half an hour total.
So I remind myself—for 23 and a half hours, she’s just like every other kid.”
Her Daughter’s Condition Played a Role in Her Stepping Back
While Hoda previously said her decision to step back from the Today show was about spending more time with her daughters, she now admits that Hope’s diagnosis was a major factor.
“If you have a little kid with Type 1 diabetes, you’re always on alert.
You’re checking, you’re watching, you’re constantly aware of what’s going on. And I was trying to do that even while I was live on TV.”
She said it was a wake-up call. “You get a priority check in your life.
I had to choose—either sit at work and worry nonstop, or be home and feel peace just by being with her.”
Grateful for Support Through a Tough Time
Looking back on those difficult early days, Hoda became visibly emotional as she thanked the team of doctors, nurses, and loved ones who supported her.
“When your child is sick, you realize just how much gratitude you have for the people who are there for you,” she said through tears.
“I’m forever thankful for the doctors at Weill Cornell, the incredible nurses, and for my family and friends who stood by me.”
She turned to Savannah, adding, “Friends like you were there every single day.
I love you, and I want to say thank you for that.”
Finding Stability and Hope in the Future
In March 2024, Hoda shared that things had stabilized and the family was getting used to the new normal of managing Hope’s condition.
While it’s not easy, it’s become a part of their lives.
She shares both Hope and her older daughter Haley, now eight, with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, and says they’re focused on creating a loving and supportive environment.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
For those unfamiliar, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead of fueling the body’s cells.
That’s why daily monitoring of blood sugar levels—and sometimes insulin injections—are essential.
A Mother’s Love at the Heart of It All
For Hoda, this journey has been about more than just medical updates—it’s about showing up for her daughter with love, resilience, and presence.
“Even though it’s been hard, I know she’s going to be okay,” she said with a soft smile.
“And I’ll be there, every step of the way.”