Today's beloved host, Hoda Kotb, has always been open with her fans about her life—both the highs and the lows. From her career triumphs to her personal journey, Hoda has shared it all. Let’s take a closer look at one of the most pivotal chapters in her life: her marriage to Burzis Kanga. They tied the knot in 2005, but their story took a turn when Hoda filed for divorce just two years later, during her battle with breast cancer. Keep reading to uncover more about Hoda’s ex-husband and their time together.
Meet Hoda Kotb’s Ex-Husband: Burzis Kanga
Let’s rewind to the early days of Hoda and Burzis. The two met at a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, and from there, their connection blossomed. Burzis, originally from New Orleans, was a tennis coach with deep roots in the city—having lived there for 26 years before meeting Hoda. In a candid interview with New Orleans Living in 2006, Hoda shared how special Burzis was to her, describing him as a "New Orleans boy" through and through. Their love story began with dating on and off, but life had other plans for them both.
When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Burzis's life was turned upside down. His home was destroyed, leading him to relocate to New York City to be with Hoda, who was already there working for NBC. Before the move, Burzis had been the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at the University of New Orleans. Despite the challenges, the couple decided to take the next step and got married in December 2005 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. However, life had other plans, and just two years later, Hoda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amidst this turmoil, she filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2008.
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Is Hoda Kotb Single Now?
Fast forward to 2013, and Hoda met Joel Schiffman at a Wall Street event. Their relationship blossomed quietly for two years before going public. During this time, they adopted two daughters, Haley and Hope. Hoda often reflects on how her journey with cancer shaped her but didn’t define her. In an emotional speech at a Breast Cancer Research Foundation event in October 2017, she opened up about her transformation over the years:
“Cancer shaped me, but it did not define me. It’s part of me, but not all of me,” she said. “In my early 40s, I was sick, I was getting divorced, and I was in a job that I wasn’t suited for. Now, at 53 years old, I have a guy I love, a baby who is the light of my life—she’s so sweet! And I have a job that’s pretty cool, too, so 53 is awesome.”
Hoda announced her engagement to Joel in November 2019, but the wedding plans were postponed multiple times due to the pandemic. In January 2022, during an episode of Today, Hoda revealed that they had decided to part ways. “Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and meaningful conversations over the holidays, and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple,” she shared with viewers. “So, we’re starting this new year on our new path as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children, and as friends.”
Even as she continues to co-parent with Joel, Hoda remains hopeful about finding lasting love. At a May 2022 event at The Paley Center for Media in New York City, she expressed her optimism: “I haven’t really thought about who I would see myself with, but I do have to say something. My sister even asked me if I’m afraid to be alone, and I said, ‘I’m not going to be alone.’ I don’t know why I said it so clearly, but I actually knew that my heart is open. I have an open heart.”
