Former Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb has welcomed the new year by sharing a deeply personal series of inspirational quotes, focusing on themes of hope, faith, and finding light. The poignant messages come after a significant year of professional change for the beloved broadcaster.
Poetic Inspiration for the Year Ahead
Kotb took to social media to post a selection of quotes from poet Donna Ashworth, each carrying a powerful message for 2026. The verses touched on "Faith," "believing you are worthy," and "being a seeker of light." One highlighted quote read: "The space where no answers exist but your spirit meets hope and magic is made." Another passage celebrated resilience: "The magic is the spark that lights the bones of surviving, it is the glimmer that whispers, we are alive-ing."
The collection, which also spoke of "extinguishing the dark within the might of that bright," resonated strongly with Kotb's followers. Fans flooded the comments with festive well-wishes and praise for her enduring positivity. "Happy New Year and may 2026 be a year of magic to all!" one person wrote, while another shared, "Your never ending positivity is so contagious."
A Year of Personal and Professional Transition
This reflective New Year's post follows a period of substantial transition for Kotb. In January 2025, she concluded her long tenure as co-anchor of NBC's flagship morning programme, Today. The 61-year-old has remained active with the network, however, co-hosting major events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a New Year's special with her former colleague Jenna Bush Hager.
On a personal note, the past year marked her third Christmas as a single woman following her split from ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman in January 2022. Despite their separation after eight years together, the pair, who share two daughters—Haley Joy, eight, and Hope Catherine, six—reunited for the holidays. Kotb shared a smiling family selfie on Instagram, with everyone dressed in matching green pyjamas.
Looking Forward with Wisdom and Joy
Amid these changes, Kotb has been promoting her new book, Jump and Find Joy, which encourages embracing change and overcoming self-doubt. Her influence on the Today show continues, as she reportedly offered words of wisdom to Sheinelle Jones, who was announced in December 2025 as the new permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
Jones revealed that Kotb called her with crucial advice, saying, "remember this moment... it was the best decision for your kids, for you." This gesture underscores Kotb's supportive role behind the scenes as she steps into a new chapter, using poetry and public reflection to inspire others to seek light and magic in the year ahead.
