In an emotional and deeply personal announcement, Hoda Kotb, the longtime co-anchor of TODAY, revealed that her youngest daughter, Hope, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The news comes as Hoda returned to TODAY for the first time since January after taking time off to focus on her family. During her emotional return to Studio 1A, Hoda opened up about the challenges she has faced since Hope’s diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life.

The beloved TV personality shared the news with her co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin on Wednesday, May 28, the same day she launched her new wellness brand, Joy 101. For Kotb, taking time off from the show to be there for her daughters—Hope, 6, and Haley, 8—was a priority, with her youngest daughter’s diagnosis playing a major role in her decision.

The Diagnosis: A Family’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to stop making insulin, a hormone necessary for controlling blood sugar levels. For Hoda, this diagnosis has meant learning how to carefully manage Hope’s health while juggling her demanding career.

“As anyone with a child who has Type 1 (diabetes) knows, especially a little kid, you’re constantly watching, constantly monitoring, constantly checking,” Hoda explained. “And that’s what I did all the time when I was on TODAY. You’re distracted, and it’s a constant mental check. Your priority completely changes.”

Hoda reflected on her return to TODAY, sharing how being present with her children during this time of adjustment has become more important than ever. “You just get a priority check in your life,” Hoda added. “I can be here, sweating over what’s happening with Hope in the morning and at night, or I can be there with her and feel the relief that I can see her.”

Balancing Career and Family: Hoda’s Difficult Decision

Hoda’s departure from TODAY in January 2025 after nearly three decades at NBC News was an emotional one. She had been co-anchoring the show for seven years but felt that spending more time with her daughters, especially during Hope’s health crisis, was crucial. Her decision to leave was rooted in her desire to be there for her children, a move that was especially important after Hope’s diagnosis.

In an emotional farewell on her final day in January 2025, Hoda shared how her family was her top priority. “I know I need to be present for my family, especially with everything we’re facing,” she said during her departure. “This is not goodbye forever. But right now, my focus is on Hope and Haley.”

Just four and a half months later, Hoda returned to the TODAY show, where she gave an update on her family life and her new routine. While Hope’s health remains a priority, Hoda acknowledged that the family has found ways to manage the challenges they face.

Hope’s Health Journey: From Hospitalization to Diabetes Diagnosis

Hoda revealed that Hope’s health issues began over two years ago when the young girl fell seriously ill in early 2023. In February 2023, Hoda took time off from TODAY due to a “family health matter” after Hope was hospitalized with an unspecified illness. Hope spent several days in the ICU and was in the hospital for over a week, which left Hoda and her family understandably shaken.

In March 2024, Hoda shared a hopeful update, explaining that Hope’s health had stabilized and that the family was focused on managing her health condition in the long term. Despite the positive news, the journey was far from over, as Hoda revealed the added complexity of managing Hope’s Type 1 diabetes.

“It’s been a challenge,” Hoda said, “but we’re learning. Hope is fine for most of the day. But there are moments where you just have to watch her, and it’s difficult. I’ve totaled it up—five minutes at breakfast, five minutes at lunch, five minutes at dinner, sometimes even overnight. That’s a half-hour of constant monitoring. But for the other 23 and a half hours, she’s like any other child.”

The emotional toll of the diagnosis has been heavy for Hoda, but she remains determined to stay positive and focused on her family’s health.

Early Symptoms and the Journey to Diagnosis

Looking back, Hoda recalled the early signs of Type 1 diabetes in Hope, remembering how it initially felt like the flu. “Hope looked like she had the flu, and we literally had to race her to the hospital,” Hoda explained. “And you get there and realize that it’s not the flu at all. It took us going to the hospital to figure it out.”

The shocking realization that Hope was living with Type 1 diabetes came as a complete surprise to Hoda and her family, who had been unaware of the symptoms. Since then, the family has committed to learning more about the disease and ensuring that Hope gets the care she needs to live a happy and healthy life.

A New Chapter for Hoda Kotb: Health and Wellness Focus

While managing Hope’s condition has certainly been a challenge, Hoda’s new wellness brand, Joy 101, is part of her ongoing journey to empower herself and others. The brand, which she unveiled alongside her TODAY return, focuses on health and wellness—both physical and mental—as she continues to balance her personal and professional life.

“I want to bring more joy into the world through this platform,” Hoda explained. “It’s about finding happiness, even through the toughest times. It’s about taking control of your health and your well-being, no matter what comes your way.”

The Support of Fans and Colleagues

As Hoda opened up about her family’s struggles, the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and the TODAY family has been overwhelming. Fellow co-anchor Savannah Guthrie expressed her admiration for Hoda’s strength during a recent broadcast. “Hoda, you are truly an inspiration. You have always been so brave, and I know this journey is no different. We are all with you.”

Fans have echoed the sentiment, sharing messages of encouragement and support as Hoda continues to navigate this challenging chapter in her life.

Stay tuned for more updates on Hoda Kotb’s journey as she balances her role as a mother, co-host, and wellness advocate, while continuing to support her daughter Hope through her health challenges.