Hoda Kotb Is 'Profoundly Touched' by All the Well Wishes from Fans after 2-Week Absence from 'Today'

Hoda Kotb took a break from the "Today" show to be present for her youngest daughter, who was admitted to ICU. The TV host shares two daughters with her ex-fiancé, although she initially had no plans to have children.

Hoda Kotb made her return to "Today" and explained the reason behind her absence. During her stay away from the show, Hoda received many touching messages and prayers from her supportive fans.

The "Today" talk show host took to Instagram a few hours ago, thanking her fans, who were unaware of the reason behind her absence from the show, for being a pillar of strength at a time when she probably needed it the most.

Hoda posted a graphic image with the text "Thank you" repeated three times on a yellow background. In the caption, she thanked the supporters who have sent her "beautiful words and prayer," assured that she read every one of them, and mentioned that she was "profoundly touched" by their support for her and her family.

After fans became aware of the reason behind the TV star's disappearance, they continued to share well wishes and thoughtful prayers in the comment section of Hoda's recent post. One fan said, "Praying for you and Hope, may she continue to get stronger."

Another wrote, "Hoda... you are such a bright light! Prayers for your daughter and strength for your family." A third of many supporters said, "So good to see you back. Continued prayers for Hope and your family. Prayer is powerful."

Hoda Made Her Appearance on the Show Even While Absent

Hoda made her return to the "Today" cast after two weeks. She revealed that her youngest child, Hope Catherine Kotb, spent a little over a week in a hospital, and a few of those days were spent in the intensive care unit. Hoda was not the only absent cast member; fellow mother of two, Savannah Guthrie, was out with COVID-19.

Hoda did not reveal the reason for her daughter's hospitalization but assured viewers that things have improved. "I'm so grateful she's home. She is back home. I was waiting for that day to come. And we are watching her closely. I'm just happy," she explained.

In her absence, Hoda was covered by Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, and Etta Jones Daly's father, Carson Daly. Hoda made a single appearance while she was away, with a pre-recorded interview with Chloe Lattanzi and John Easterling from the last episode she appeared on being rebroadcasted.

Hoda Is a Mother of Two

Hoda is an adoptive mother to two little girls. In 2017, she took in a baby by the name of Haley Joy Kotb, much to the surprise of the "Today" show's viewers. She shares Haley and Hope—who she adopted in 2019— with her now-ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman.

Hoda turned to adoption in 2017, as a breast cancer infection in 2007 took away her ability to conceive. The host did not expect to have a family of her own and initially envisioned her family stopping at her parents and siblings; however, she changed her heart when she turned 50.