Hoda Kotb is opening up about her dating life.
Hoda, who was previously engaged after eight years of dating to ex Joel Schiffman, was asked whether or not she feels any “regret” about how open she’s been with her dating life on the July 9 episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.”
She said, “I think what you find is it’s easier to share when everything’s great and it’s so much fun because you love, love and it’s such a beautiful time in life. Then, when things don’t go the way that you want them to, you sort of feel a little cornered. But I think you should also talk about that part. And, you know, sometimes, some people aren’t meant to go the whole ride with you.”
The conversation then shifted to dating in the digital age, and Hoda said she would never try the celebrity dating app, Raya, because she would rather be set up by someone she trusts.
“I think I would like for someone to say, ‘I know this person.’ … That would make me feel better,” she said.
Later on in the show, Hoda played a fun game of “Hoda Lay He Who?” with Cohen where she revealed which Olympians she found attractive and would possibly date. During the game, she said she was interested in John John Florence from the U.S. surfing team, Caeleb Dressel from the U.S. swim team, Brooks Koepka from the U.S. golf team and Rai Benjamin from the U.S. track and field team.
As a single woman, Hoda has kept her heart open for love. In March, she revealed she went on her first date in two years during an appearance she had on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
“Something did happen the other day that hasn’t happened in two years. I had a date,” she told host Kelly Clarkson while the crowd roared.
“That’s huge, even to be in a place to do that,” the “Miss Independent” singer responded.
Hoda tried to put the experience in perspective while connecting with Clarkson, who filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2020.
“You know what it was? Just a date. It was nothing but a date, but I have to say, do you ever think about going out on a date?” Hoda asked.
“Not at all,” Clarkson replied, prompting Hoda and the audience to erupt in laughter. “Not even a little bit.”
Clarkson then explained how she’s enjoying life as a single woman.
“I am really loving not having a man in my life. It’s just too hard. There’s too much,” she said, while explaining how she is so busy with her career and two kids.
Hoda has not been in a public relationship since she and Schiffman parted ways. Hoda shared the news of their breakup on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in January of 2022.
“We had a lot of prayerful and really meaningful conversations over the holidays and we decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple,” she said.
“It’s not like something happened,” she continued. “They say sometimes relationships are meant to be there for a reason or a season or for a lifetime and I feel like ours was meant to be there for a season.”
In May 2022, Hoda told People that she hadn’t given up on dating.
“I have an open heart,” she told the outlet.
“I know at some point, and I can see it, it will happen,” she added.
While on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in October 2022, Jenna Bush Hager volunteered to set Hoda up with someone.
“I want to set you up,” Jenna told her
“OK. I want to be set up,” Hoda replied.
“What?” Jenna said, astonished.
“I want to be set up,” Hoda said again.
“I have chills!” Jenna exclaimed. “That is a challenge that I am going to go for.”