NEW YORK, USA | NOVEMBER 9, 2026
Former Today show anchor Hoda Kotb is opening up about the importance of maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman, emphasising why his continued presence in the lives of their two daughters remains essential despite the end of their romantic relationship.
The 62-year-old television personality shared her perspective while guest-hosting Today with Jenna & Sheinelle on Monday, November 9, reflecting on her recent Halloween celebrations and the positive relationship she continues to maintain with Schiffman.
Kotb, who shares daughters Haley, 9, and Hope, 7, with her former fiancé, revealed that the two celebrated Halloween together, dressing up as “deviled eggs” for the occasion.
The revelation prompted co-host Jenna Bush Hager to comment on their friendly relationship, highlighting the unusual but encouraging dynamic between the former couple.
For Kotb, however, the arrangement represents something much more important than maintaining a cordial relationship with an ex-partner. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring their children continue to experience love, stability and the active involvement of both parents.
A CO-PARENTING RELATIONSHIP BUILT AROUND THEIR CHILDREN


Kotb’s comments offer a glimpse into how she and Schiffman have approached parenting following their separation.
Although their engagement ended in January 2022, the former couple have continued working together to raise their daughters, demonstrating that the conclusion of a romantic relationship does not necessarily mean the end of a meaningful family partnership.
During the television discussion, Kotb highlighted the importance of Schiffman’s continued involvement, suggesting that his presence in their daughters’ everyday experiences is something she considers particularly valuable.
Their Halloween celebration illustrated how both parents can participate in family activities without allowing their previous romantic relationship to define their interactions.
Such arrangements can be especially important for children navigating changes in family structure, as consistent parental involvement can help preserve emotional security and a sense of belonging.
Kotb’s approach also reflects a broader understanding of modern co-parenting, in which separated parents prioritise their children’s needs while establishing a respectful working relationship.
WHY JOEL SCHIFFMAN’S PRESENCE MATTERS
For Kotb, ensuring that Schiffman remains actively involved in Haley and Hope’s lives goes beyond occasional visits or special celebrations.
Children benefit from having dependable relationships with the important adults in their lives, particularly during periods of family transition.
Maintaining shared celebrations, participating in important milestones and supporting everyday parenting responsibilities can help children understand that although their parents are no longer together romantically, their commitment to raising them remains unchanged.
The former couple’s ability to share Halloween festivities also demonstrates how family traditions can continue after separation.
Rather than allowing the end of their engagement to eliminate familiar experiences, Kotb and Schiffman appear committed to preserving opportunities for their daughters to enjoy moments with both parents.
Their approach provides an example of how separated couples can maintain a cooperative family environment without necessarily rekindling their romantic relationship.
THE END OF THEIR ENGAGEMENT DID NOT END THEIR FAMILY CONNECTION
Kotb and Schiffman announced the end of their engagement in January 2022 after becoming engaged in 2019.
At the time, Kotb explained that the decision followed considerable thought and that the two intended to remain focused on raising their daughters together.
The former couple had built their family through adoption, welcoming Haley in 2017 and Hope in 2019.
Their journey into parenthood has frequently featured in Kotb’s public conversations, with the television personality openly discussing motherhood, family responsibilities and the experiences that have shaped her personal life.
Since their separation, Kotb has continued sharing aspects of her parenting journey while maintaining a degree of privacy around her daughters.
Her latest comments suggest that the relationship she maintains with Schiffman remains an important part of creating a supportive environment for their children.
A BROADER MESSAGE ABOUT PARENTING AFTER SEPARATION
Kotb’s remarks have also brought attention to an increasingly important conversation about how parents can successfully navigate separation without allowing personal differences to interfere with their children’s development.
Co-parenting requires communication, compromise and a willingness to place children’s needs above unresolved disagreements.
Although every family situation is different, maintaining consistency in parenting responsibilities can help children adapt to changes while preserving meaningful relationships with both parents.
The former Today anchor’s experience highlights the possibility of maintaining family traditions, celebrating important occasions and working together even after a romantic partnership has ended.
Her willingness to discuss the subject publicly also offers encouragement to parents facing similar circumstances, particularly those trying to establish healthy family arrangements after separation.
HODA KOTB’S FAMILY LIFE BEYOND TELEVISION
Beyond her successful broadcasting career, Kotb has increasingly become known for her openness about motherhood and the personal experiences that have influenced her outlook on life.
Her departure from the Today show in January 2025 marked another significant transition, allowing her to explore different opportunities while spending more time with her family.
Her latest television appearance demonstrates that family remains a central part of her public conversations, particularly when discussing the responsibilities and experiences associated with raising her daughters.
Ultimately, Kotb’s message is that children should not have to lose the involvement of a parent simply because their parents’ romantic relationship has ended.
Her Halloween revelation may have started as a lighthearted conversation about costumes, but it developed into a meaningful reflection on family, responsibility and the importance of showing up for children.
For Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman, the end of their engagement did not mean the end of their shared responsibilities. Their continued commitment to Haley and Hope demonstrates that while romantic relationships can change, the responsibility of being present parents remains.