In a new interview with People, Hoda discussed her new book Hope Is a Rainbow, which she dedicated to her 4-year-old daughter.
5
Hoda Kotb spoke to People in a new interview where she admitted she was dealing with a lot with her daughter Hope’s illnessCredit: NBC
5
She admitted she was ‘dead on her feet’ during the worst of it in the interviewCredit: Instagram/hodakotb
Hoda, 59, has dealt for a long time with Hope’s ongoing health issues.
She said that things have “stabilized” with her young daughter, but has hired help to tackle some of the more difficult times.
Now, she’s looking to work on making everything “normal” – or at least as normal as she can.
But Hoda admitted that it has been difficult to deal with everything as a whole.
“When you’re dead on your feet, you can’t really function,” she admitted.
That’s why, as she explained, she tries to make time to go on a date or spend time with friends once a week on Thursdays.
“I feel like you need one day to recharge. And I realized when I wasn’t doing that, I was so depleted — you’re nothing to anybody,” Hoda said.
She’s also found support with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who helps care for Hoda’s children when she needs a bit more assistance.
Despite the hardships, however, Hoda feels she is in a good place right now, and so is Hope.
HODA THE TISSUES
Recently, Hoda fought back tears when speaking with Savannah about how difficult it can be to raise her two daughters.
Hoda is the adoptive mother of two girls: Haley Joy, seven, and Hope Catherine, four, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, 65.
On Wednesday, Hoda opened up about the difficulties she’s faced in motherhood during her podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb, with her guest, Savannah, 52.
The pair discussed Savannah’s new book, Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere, where she describes her definition of faith and its role in her life.
Her words related to Hoda, who repeatedly teared up throughout the episode while reflecting on the passages.
One specific part hit home for the TV host, which she said she read while navigating a situation with her daughter.
“You know, what’s funny? I read the book when you first sent me chapter by chapter, and I reread it last night when I was going through a difficult time with my daughter.
“And I was worried… am I, um, enough? Am I doing it right?” the news anchor admitted, choking back tears.
Hoda later referenced another passage in the book that related to the love someone has for a child.
“I’d already read that, by the way, a few months ago. And it didn’t hit me. But it hit me last night like it was meant for me in that moment,” the TV personality confessed.
NEW PROJECT
Hoda also announced her upcoming children’s book, Hope is a Rainbow, inspired by the adoption of her youngest daughter.
“It’s gonna make your kids feel like the clouds are going to part, and life can be beautiful again,” the NBC star teased.
“It will give kids that life lesson and grown-ups too.”
The book’s release date is March 5.
HOPE’S HEALTH SCARE
Nearly one year ago, Hoda revealed Hope suffered a terrifying health scare that landed the little one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Hoda was absent from Today for several weeks to be by her daughter’s side.
Upon her return, she told viewers: “My youngest daughter Hope was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week, and I’m so grateful she’s home.”
“She is back home, and I’ve been waiting for that day to come, and we are watching her closely.”
ON THE MEND
The mom of two also talked about the ordeal on the podcast Biscuits and Jam.
“My daughters are strong women already. You know, my daughter, Hope, had a health scare, but she’s getting better.
“But I think I didn’t realize how much is already in you when it comes to your strength.”
Hoda concluded: “To watch her go through a difficult time at just three years old is really tough for any parent ’cause you’re helpless.”
The Oklahoma native adopted Hope in 2019 and her sister in 2017.
5
She admitted that she had not taken time to recharge and was ‘nothing to anybody’Credit: Instagram/hodakotb
5
Hoda has since started taking time to herself on Thursdays for dates or seeing friendsCredit: Getty Images
5
At the moment, she is focusing on making sure things are as ‘normal’ as possible for Hope
