Now that Labor Day is behind us, nearly all schools are back in session and filled with students and teachers excited for a new year. Hoda Kotb’s daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, went back to school on September 8, 2026. The former “Today Show” host shared family photos on Instagram. The girls’ dad, Joel Schiffman, joined Hoda, Haley, and Hope for the big day.
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“It’s here! First day of school. 4th and 2nd grade! Whaaaatttt?” Hoda wrote.
Hoda Kotb’s Daughters Looked Ready for the Big Day
Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman posed with their daughters, who seemed excited for school, but also probably sad that summertime came to an end so quickly. She left her job at “Today” in January 2025 to spend more time at home with her girls
“It’s really cool to just realize that there’s so much more to life,” she says. “I wasn’t able to bear witness to my kids’ daily lives because of what I was doing. I got to see Haley sing ‘What a Wonderful World’ at 9:15 a.m. — I would have missed that. I used to think life was the big things, but it really is all the stuff that happens in between,” Hoda told People.
She also wanted to spend more time at home caring for Hope, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2023. “She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid, and we have to watch her. Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her. I hope it shapes her but never defines her,” Hoda said.
Fans loved seeing Hoda Kotb’s daughters headed off to school with both parents near.
“Both of you taking the girls to school no matter what the situation may be, will be something the girls will forever remember,” a fan wrote.
This person agreed, writing, “It’s so great to see you and Joel doing all these special things together.
This story’s featured image is by Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
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