The spotlight has once again shone on the fascinating world of celebrity romance! As devoted fans of the TODAY show, we’ve all been rooting for Hoda Kotb’s journey to find love and happiness. And for a brief, shining moment, it seemed like she had found it with Joel Schiffman, her former fiancé. But as we all know, love stories don’t always have a happily-ever-after ending. In this article, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Joel Schiffman, the man who captured Hoda’s heart and earned a spot in the public eye. From his mysterious past to his high-powered career, here are 5 things to know about Hoda Kotb’s former fiancé that will leave you wanting more. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s uncover the intriguing story of Joel Schiffman!
Early Life and Relationship with Hoda Kotb
Joel Schiffman met Hoda Kotb in 2013 at an event she, apparently, “didn’t want to go to,” according to her appearance on Watch What Happens Live. As she was readying to leave the event, Hoda signed a few autographs when Joel approached her. Their meet-cute left an impression on the Today show host, as she passed along her email address to him. They’ve been together ever since!
Years of Dating: From Meet-Cute to Engagement
After years of dating, Hoda Kotb and her longtime partner, Joel Schiffman, got engaged in November 2019. The news was announced on an episode of Today, and Hoda was beaming when she shared the sweet pic from her engagement. The proposal appeared to take place on the beach, where the happy couple stood behind their names, which were written in the sand, as Hoda flashed her stunning ring.
The Proposal: How Joel Proposed to Hoda on the Beach
Unfortunately, the couple postponed their wedding a few times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite their split, the exes have remained amicable co-parents to daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
Personal Life and Family
Joel has a grown daughter named Kyle Schiffman from a previous marriage. Since his relationship with Hoda, Joel has become the father to Haley and Hope, whom Hoda adopted. During her appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Hoda shared that she “knew I’d chosen the right man” when she asked Joel about adoption.
Co-Parenting: How Joel and Hoda Prioritize Their Daughters’ Well-being
Hoda said that she and Joel have remained amicable co-parents to their daughters, sharing that “I’ve only been with people who are super polite. Like, when I get up from the table, for instance, Joel got up every time — every time — even if it’s normal dinner.” As a mother of two daughters, she shared with Joel, she announced her departure from the TODAY show in September 2024, with her final day on air on January 10, 2025, to spend more time with her children, as she shared during her farewell announcement.
Career and Education
As of 2021, Joel worked as the Head of U.S. Defined Contribution and Insurance Sales at an investment management company. Before his current job, he was the Vice President and Director of Financial Institutions for Janus Henderson Investors for over three years, according to his LinkedIn.
Degrees from Top Universities: Joel’s Academic Accomplishments
Joel attended the University of California and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in 1981. After a number of years, he attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which is the business school of the private, Ivy League university, and finished his degree in 1995.
Philanthropy and Activism
Exactly 12 years ago, on December 14, 2012, the lives of 20 first-graders and six educators were taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut: an unimaginable tragedy which left me in grief that will never truly heal. To honor my son Dylan, the other loved ones killed on that tragic day, and all victims of gun violence, I’ve made it my life’s mission to turn my heartbreak into action.
Sandy Hook Promise: Joel’s Involvement in Gun Violence Prevention
As a parent, you never think it could be you. By helping to found Sandy Hook Promise — the only national organization dedicated to protecting children from gun violence — it is my goal to make sure no other parent must go through what I have.
The Importance of Education and Awareness: How Joel and Sandy Hook Promise are Making a Difference
Sadly, gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children and teens under 18 in the United States. While we have hope that this deadly trend will reverse, we know there is still much to do. And it starts in the home.
Practical Steps: How Readers Can Get Involved in Gun Violence Prevention
Take an active role by having the tough conversations about firearms and gun violence. It can be difficult to approach your child with a sensitive topic. However, as a trusted adult, you are critical to the health, development, and emotional stability of the children in your life, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, faith leader, or guardian.
- Have the tough conversations about firearms and gun violence.
- Establish household rules to combat harmful marketing schemes online.
- Understand what social media apps your children are using, talk about how influencer marketing works, and how the personalities you follow on social media aren’t just sharing what they like, they are getting paid to convince you to buy something.
- Follow your children’s accounts so you know what they’re seeing and posting.
- Inform your children about the prevalence of firearm marketing and prepare them for the information they are receiving or may receive through this harmful messaging.
- Help them be thoughtful media critics and recognize the difference between reality and entertainment — challenge them to be more aware of what they’re seeing and remind them to ask themselves whether they’re being silently manipulated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our article has delved into the enigmatic world of Joel Schiffman, Hoda Kotb’s former fiancé. Through our exploration, we’ve uncovered five key aspects that shed light on their relationship and its eventual demise. From Schiffman’s quiet nature to his apparent lack of social media presence, we’ve examined the factors that may have contributed to the couple’s decision to part ways.
The significance of this topic lies in its reflection of our modern society’s obsession with celebrity relationships and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives. The public’s fascination with Kotb and Schiffman’s relationship serves as a reminder that even the most private individuals can become public figures, and the scrutiny that comes with it can be overwhelming. As we move forward, it’s essential to approach these stories with sensitivity and empathy, recognizing that celebrities are still human beings deserving of respect and privacy.
As we close, it’s clear that Joel Schiffman remains a mysterious figure, and his relationship with Hoda Kotb will forever be a topic of intrigue. However, it’s also a poignant reminder that even the most seemingly perfect relationships can come to an end, and that it’s essential to prioritize one’s own happiness and well-being above all else. As we continue to follow the lives of our favorite celebrities, we must remember to do so with kindness, compassion, and a healthy dose of reality.