Hoda Kotb recently melted hearts on Instagram as she celebrated her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman’s birthday with the sweetest glimpse of their family life. The beloved “Today” host shared joyful photos featuring their daughters, Haley and Hope, proving that love and respect can thrive even after a breakup.

Though Kotb and Schiffman parted ways in 2022, the pair have maintained a strong, amicable bond, co-parenting their daughters with grace and warmth. Kotb has openly spoken about their split, emphasizing that mutual respect and ongoing love guide their family dynamic.

The two first met in 2013 and dated quietly for two years before going public in 2015. Their family grew with the adoption of eldest daughter Haley in 2017, followed by Hope in 2019, the same year Schiffman proposed. Despite ending their romantic relationship, they continue to celebrate milestones together as a united family.

On March 22, Kotb shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to Schiffman on Instagram:

“Happy bday to the best DAD!!! ”

The post included two precious photos: one of Haley and Hope snuggled on Schiffman’s lap, beaming with happiness, and another capturing the family of four gathered around his birthday cake. The caption and images radiated warmth, love, and the effortless harmony of a family that has grown together through life’s twists.

Fans and friends flooded the comments with birthday wishes and admiration. “Happy Birthday, Joel! You’re looking great! ” wrote one follower. Another added, “I’m so happy you remained friends through it all and that he is so present in the girls’ lives. It takes a really special bond for that to work. ”

Many praised the family’s example of kindness and collaboration. “What a beautiful family ,” wrote one admirer, while another commented, “Love this—the epitome of grace and elegance. Co-parenting at its finest .”

Kotb and Schiffman frequently come together for celebrations big and small. In December 2025, Schiffman joined Kotb, their daughters, Kotb’s sister Hala, and mother Sameha for a cozy Christmas celebration, complete with matching red-and-green pajamas and tiny Santa hats. “Merry Christmas ,” Kotb captioned the festive photos, showing that family joy can be shared in every season.

Reflecting on her journey, Kotb shared insights from her own growth during a September 2025 appearance on “Today” promoting her book Jump and Find Joy. She explained how personal transformation helped her understand that loving someone doesn’t always mean the timing is right. “I realized you can love someone — I loved him very much, and still do — but that person isn’t right for you in that moment,” she said. “And you can say to yourself, ‘Wow, I’m ready to try to get other buckets of mine filled.’”

Through birthdays, holidays, and quiet everyday moments, Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman show that love for family transcends romance. Their shared dedication to Haley and Hope is a testament to the power of kindness, respect, and happiness in co-parenting.