Hoda Kotb, beloved co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, got emotional recalling the unforgettable moment her longtime partner Joel Schiffman first professed his love for her. Speaking with guest co-host Maria Shriver, Hoda shared how she once made a list of qualities she hoped to find in a partner, like kindness and sincerity, but realized sometimes love defies checklists.

“Sometimes you think, ‘You’ll know it when you see it,’ and there’ll be chemistry,” Hoda explained. She described the day Joel looked her in the eyes and spoke about love. “I always get emotional if someone’s truthful, really truthful, and I feel it. I started crying when he said he was in love with me. It was a good day,” she recalled.

Hoda emphasized the courage it took for Joel, whom she’s been with for six years, to be the first to say those three words. “To be the first person to say it is risky and that takes guts,” she said. “I will always admire him because he has guts.” Sitting with that moment, Hoda admitted she needed a little time to process its enormity before responding.

The couple’s love has only grown stronger over the years. Together, they now share two adopted daughters, Haley, 2, and Hope, whom Hoda announced she adopted in April, building a family rooted in trust, courage, and tender moments.