Claire Dawson
In February 2023, Hoda Kotb was absent from her role as a TV host on Today for two weeks due to a health crisis involving her youngest daughter, Hope, which landed the four-year-old in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital for more than a week. Kotb has since shared updates on Hope's health, revealing that she has type 1 diabetes and requires round-the-clock care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of person in hospital | Hope Kotb |
| Relation to Hoda Kotb | Daughter |
| Age | 4-6 years old |
| Hospitalized in | February 2023 |
| Hospitalized for | More than a week |
| Admitted to ICU | Yes |
| Length of ICU stay | Several days |
| Health condition | Type 1 diabetes |
| Health status | Stable |
| Current health | Improving |
| Long-term care | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Hope Kotb's type 1 diabetes diagnosis
In February 2023, Hoda Kotb was absent from her role as a host on the 'Today' show for two weeks. This was due to a health concern involving her youngest daughter, Hope, who was 4 years old at the time. Hope experienced a medical crisis that landed her in the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days and in the hospital for more than a week.
While Kotb did not initially disclose the specifics of Hope's condition, she shared that they were consistently monitoring her health around the clock to safeguard her well-being. She expressed her gratitude for the support and excellent care that Hope received during this challenging time.
In May 2025, Kotb revealed that her daughter Hope had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas's ability to produce insulin. This diagnosis explained the sudden onset of mysterious symptoms that led to Hope's hospitalization in 2023. Type 1 diabetes requires vigilant blood sugar monitoring and frequent insulin injections, which Hope initially needed four to five times per day.
Despite the challenges, Kotb remains optimistic about Hope's progress and is focused on letting her be a kid. She admires Hope's resilience and outlook on life, and she is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult period.
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Hope's ICU admission
Hope Kotb, the daughter of TV personality and 'Today' anchor Hoda Kotb, was admitted to the ICU in February 2023. At the time, Hope was four years old and had been adopted by Hoda in 2019. Hope's ICU admission came after her mother took a two-week absence from the 'Today' show, which was initially explained as a family health matter.
Upon her return to the show, Hoda shared that Hope had faced a scary health crisis, spending several days in the ICU and over a week in the hospital. While Hoda did not disclose the specifics of Hope's diagnosis due to her young age, she expressed the powerlessness and worry that any parent would feel in such a situation.
> "Any parent who’s been through a scary thing with their child understands. It’s like you just can’t believe that your child’s sick. You can’t believe that there’s nothing you can do. You can’t believe that no matter what you do, you can’t will it away or protect her, or all the things that we’re supposed to be doing as parents."
Hoda also shared that she wanted to shield her daughter from "grown-up worry" and did not want Hope's condition to define her or for people to look at her differently.
Hope's health crisis brought an outpouring of support from Hoda's friends and family, including 'Today' weatherman Al Roker and co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who found unique ways to help. Hoda also relied on the support of her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, with whom she successfully co-parents her daughters.
In the months following Hope's ICU admission, Hoda provided updates, expressing that her daughter had stabilized and was "improving". She also shared her gratitude for the excellent care Hope received and acknowledged the support from those around their family. By April 2024, Hoda published a children's book, "Hope is a Rainbow," inspired by her daughter.
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Hoda Kotb's absence from 'Today'
Hoda Kotb was absent from Today for two weeks in February 2023 due to her daughter Hope's health crisis. Hope, aged four, spent multiple days in the ICU and over a week in the hospital.
Upon her return to the show, Kotb shared that her daughter had ""finally stabilized." She also expressed her gratitude for the support and care her daughter had received. However, she chose not to disclose the details of Hope's condition to protect her privacy.
Kotb opened up about the impact of her daughter's health scare, admitting that she rarely sleeps soundly through the night as she listens for Hope's health monitors. She also shared her desire to shield her daughter from "grown-up worries" and the challenges of balancing medical demands with her work schedule.
In October 2024, Kotb announced her departure from Today after 17 years, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. She reflected on the guilt she felt trying to balance her work and family commitments and shared her yearning to be more present for her children.
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Hope's long-term care
Hope Kotb, the daughter of TV personality Hoda Kotb, experienced a medical crisis that landed her in the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days and in the hospital for more than a week in February 2023. While Hope's specific diagnosis has not been publicly disclosed due to her young age, her condition has stabilized, and she is now receiving long-term care.
Hoda Kotb has expressed her gratitude for the "really excellent care" Hope has received and acknowledged the support from those around their family. She has also shared her desire to shield her daughter from "grown-up worry" as they navigate Hope's medical complexities. To manage Hope's health long-term, Kotb has hired additional help and relies on the support of her care team, family, and friends. She has also expressed her admiration for Hope's resilience and positive outlook on life despite the challenges she has faced.
As part of Hope's long-term care, Kotb prioritizes spending quality time with her daughters. She shared their evening routine, which includes eating dinner together, followed by bath time and marching down the hall playing music. She also expressed her determination to protect Hope from adult worries, recognizing that Hope's condition should not define her.
While the family continues to manage Hope's health, they are grateful for the progress she has made. Kotb shared that Hope is "improving," and they are optimistic that they will "have a better handle on it" with time. The experience has also brought the family closer together, with Kotb's extended family spending more time with them and offering their support.
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Support from friends and family
Hoda Kotb has expressed gratitude for the support she received from her friends and family during her daughter Hope's health crisis. In an interview, she shared that her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie offered unique support, from taking her elder daughter, Haley, to the mall with her children to playing bartender at Hope's birthday party when Hoda was overwhelmed. Hoda also recalled how her extended family had been a great support, with her mother, Sameha, and siblings spending time with her in New York City.
Hoda's ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, with whom she successfully co-parents her daughters, has also been a source of support. She has also received help from her care team and friends, including Today weatherman Al Roker, who showed up at the hospital. Hoda has described herself as being "in a puddle" due to the support she received during this challenging time.
While Hoda has not publicly disclosed Hope's specific diagnosis, she has shared that they are consistently monitoring her health around the clock and that Hope requires round-the-clock care. Hoda has hired additional help to navigate Hope's condition and manage her demanding work schedule. She has also expressed her desire to shield her daughter from "grown-up worries" and not let Hope's condition define her or label her.
Hoda has been open about the impact of Hope's health crisis on her personally, admitting that she rarely sleeps soundly through the night anymore as she listens for the sounds of Hope's health monitors. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about Hope's progress and is focused on managing her health long-term. She has also written a children's book, "Hope is a Rainbow," inspired by her daughter and dedicated to her.
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Frequently asked questions
Hope Kotb experienced a medical crisis that landed her in the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days and in the hospital for more than a week.
Hope Kotb's mother, Hoda Kotb, has not publicly disclosed the youngster's specific diagnosis but has shared that they are consistently monitoring her around the clock to safeguard her well-being.
Hope Kotb is 4 years old as of 2024.
Hope Kotb is "thriving", according to her mother, Hoda Kotb, who shared that her daughter has shown "great differences" since her health scare in February 2023. Hoda Kotb also mentioned that her daughter is "improving" and that they are "watching her".
Hoda Kotb has expressed her gratitude for the "really excellent care" Hope has received and acknowledged the support from those around their family. She has also shared that she relies on the support of her care team, family, and friends to get her through tough moments.
