Every mom knows the struggle of balancing career aspirations with the love and care for their children. Hoda Kotb, the beloved Today show co-host, finds herself in a similar situation. She's thrilled to head to PyeongChang, South Korea, with NBC to cover the 2018 Winter Olympics, but leaving her baby girl, Haley Joy, behind isn't easy. "Hoda is so excited to cover the Olympics, but it’s with a very heavy heart," a source close to her told Us Weekly. The decision to leave Haley Joy in New York City wasn’t made lightly—it’s all about giving the little one the best possible care while Hoda dives into her demanding work schedule.
Hoda's Support System Back Home
Hoda may be miles away, but Haley Joy is in the best hands possible. Her grandmother, Hoda’s mom, and her longtime partner, Joel Schiffman, are stepping up to care for the 11-month-old. This arrangement ensures that Haley remains in a familiar, loving environment while her mom works hard on the other side of the world. Even with a 14-hour flight and a 14-hour time difference between them, modern technology allows Hoda to stay connected. “Luckily, Hoda can video chat with Haley and Joel,” the source added. And rest assured, Hoda plans to return as soon as possible, flying back before the closing ceremony to reunite with her little family.
Spending Quality Time Before Departure
Before she departs for South Korea, Hoda is making the most of her time with Haley. She’s cherishing every moment, even involving her little one in the preparations. Take a look at the adorable video below where Haley Joy helps her mom pack for the trip. It’s moments like these that remind us of the simple joys of parenthood, even amidst the whirlwind of a high-profile career.
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At 53, Hoda is thrilled to experience the Olympics firsthand with the Today team. In a January appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she shared her excitement about the unique magic of the Olympics. “There’s no other place on earth where you can sit there and watch a kid you’ve never heard of before, and in that instant, you get to watch their life change,” she said. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but one she approaches with a balanced perspective.
Prioritizing What Matters Most
While the Olympics present an incredible career opportunity, Hoda remains grounded in her priorities. In a pre-Olympics interview with USA Today, she opened up about what truly matters to her. “Once you know what’s important, the rest of it works. All my life I’ve dreamed of Haley, and she came true,” she said. “I love everything I do in my life, but everything will always be secondary to her, forever. I’m loving work, but when I go in the door [at work], no one is going to kick their legs and arms in the air for me.” Her heartfelt words reveal the depth of her love for her daughter and the perspective she brings to her professional life.
