TODAY Show host Hoda Kotb has shared a rare update on her three-year-old daughter Hope’s health struggles while speaking exclusively to The U.S. Sun.
The beloved Today star first disclosed her youngest daughter had struggled with a medical crisis that landed her in the Intensive Care Unit earlier this year.
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Beloved Today Show host Hoda Kotb gave a rare update on her daughter’s health earlier this weekCredit: The US Sun
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Hoda previously revealed that her three-year-old daughter Hope (pictured with Haley, six) had fallen ill, and said she is now ‘on the mend’Credit: Instagram/@hodakotb
Hoda, who was on hand to usher dear friend and co-host Al Roker into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame, gave a brief update on Hope’s progress.
“She’s doing better. She is on the mend, and we are taking it one step at a time,” the gracious host revealed to The U.S. Sun.
The mother-of-two gave the update following a brief trip to New Orleans where she and her third-hour co-host Jenna Bush Hager filmed Hoda and Jenna.
Hoda said of the work trip: “For me, it’s like going home. It’s one of my favorite cities on earth. It was magical, we walked in and it sort of it’s almost like I feel like grown-ups don’t get a chance to let loose.”
“I feel like it’s always top buttons buttoned, you’re always stressed. But do you remember before mortgages, and the water bill? That person gets a chance to live for a day. So that’s what happened in New Orleans,” Hoda added.
The U.S. Sun previously revealed that Hoda is only taking on necessary trips for work and attending exceedingly meaningful events.
An insider said that the TV star has otherwise scaled back on the extra speaking engagements that she normally would participate in as she focuses on her daughters.
TAKING A STEP BACK
One insider told The U.S. Sun last week that Hoda’s priorities underwent a major shift after her youngest daughter fell seriously ill, which took her away from her seat at Today for nearly three weeks.
“Hoda is a very hands-on mother and she doesn’t want to leave Today, but she has been reconfiguring her approach to work so that she is able to focus more on her daughters,” the source said.
Hoda has been retooling her workload after Hope’s health complications landed her in the ICU.
“When your child falls ill, it changes your life. She is looking to scale back on the ways she is working.”
The insider added: “She isn’t taking on the extra events and speeches that have been meaningful to her unless they are absolutely necessary or exceedingly special.”
‘GETTING BETTER’
Hoda first revealed Hope’s health struggles last month.
She told viewers upon her return to work: “My youngest daughter Hope was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week and I’m so grateful she’s home.”
Hoda continued: “She is back home and I’ve been waiting for that day to come and we are watching her closely.
“I realize when your child is ill, the amount of gratitude you can have for people for who helped you out…
“I’m grateful for the doctors at Weill Cornell who are amazing and the nurses and I’m grateful to my family and friends like you who were there every single day.”
She then talked about Hope’s issues during an interview with the podcast Biscuits and Jam earlier this week.
The TV personality revealed her daughter is “getting better” and opened up about how “strong” she is.
“My daughters are strong women already. You know, my daughter, Hope had a health scare, but she’s getting better.
“But I think I didn’t realize how much is already in you when it comes to your strength.”
“To watch her go through a difficult time at just three years old is really tough for any parent, ’cause you’re helpless,” Hoda concluded.
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The hands-on mother-of-two took time off from Today to care for little Hope between February and March this yearCredit: Instagram/Hoda Kotb
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Hoda was honoring her Today Show friend and co-host earlier this weekCredit: Getty
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Hoda attended Al Roker’s induction into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame this week
