Why Hoda Kotb Was Devastated to Be Mom-Shamed Over Her Age

Hoda Kotb has always been an open book about her personal life, and in a recent interview, she opened up about the emotional pain she experienced after being “mom-shamed” for having children later in life. The Today anchor shared a heartbreaking story about receiving a letter that deeply hurt her, particularly because it questioned her decision to become a mother at an older age.

The Letter that Stung

Hoda described the letter as being handwritten and addressed to her at her home. It contained harsh words about her decision to bring a child into the world at her age, and it accused her of making a mistake by becoming a mother so late in life. “How dare you bring a child into this world at your age? Don’t you know what you’re doing to that child?” the letter read, continuing with negative comments. The cruelty of the letter took Hoda by surprise and left her feeling vulnerable. “It can hit you in a place that you’re the most vulnerable,” she said. “I feel like that’s the kind of cruelty.”

The hurtful comments made her question her choices for a moment. It took her breath away and left her wondering if she had made the right decision. But Hoda, who always keeps her strength, has since pushed through this negativity.

Hoda’s Journey to Motherhood

For years, Hoda had a strong desire to be a mother, but she also believed it might be too late. She struggled with the notion that motherhood wasn’t in the cards for her due to her age and previous health battles. After undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2007, Hoda realized that biological motherhood might not be an option for her. However, her dream of being a mother didn’t go away. “I always had this thing inside me, like a voice I couldn’t quiet,” she confessed. “It was a voice that wanted to be a mom but thought it was too late.”

Despite these doubts, Hoda eventually decided to adopt, which led to the joyful arrival of her first daughter, Haley Joy, in 2017. Hoda has always been open about the emotional impact that becoming a mother had on her, particularly since it came after years of uncertainty.

Expanding Her Family

Two years later, Hoda and her ex-partner, Joel Schiffman, welcomed their second daughter, Hope. The couple had always wanted Haley to have a sibling, and they were excited to expand their family. The news was a surprise to her Today co-anchors, who were overjoyed for her.

How Hoda Copes with the Criticism

When dealing with the hate and negativity from others, Hoda turns to her own upbringing and life experiences for strength. She recalled the lessons she learned from her father, who passed away when she was in college. “I know the foundation he left. I know it was worth every second of that time,” Hoda shared. His influence has shaped her perspective, helping her see that every moment with her children is invaluable, regardless of the circumstances.

Hoda also acknowledged the feelings of regret and self-doubt that many women face when they feel they’ve “missed the window” for certain life events. She too had moments of believing that perhaps it was too late for her to become a mother, especially after enduring a serious illness. However, she soon realized that life doesn’t have a set timeline, and “your timing’s right because it’s for you.”

Her message is clear: sometimes, the timing might not seem perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not meant to be. Hoda’s decision to become a mother later in life, despite the judgment and struggles, is one she has no regrets about.

The Bigger Picture

Hoda’s story of being mom-shamed serves as a reminder of the immense pressure women face when it comes to decisions about family, motherhood, and life choices. Yet, she has shown resilience and strength in the face of judgment, choosing to embrace her life and family with gratitude. Despite the criticism, Hoda remains focused on the joy and love she feels for her daughters, proving that motherhood is about the love you give, not about when you start.

Through her experience, Hoda has shared an important message for others: don’t let anyone dictate your timeline or your choices. Motherhood is a deeply personal journey, and for Hoda, it was a dream she finally decided to make a reality — regardless of her age or the opinions of others.