Hoda Kotb Has Epic Response After Kevin Costner Romance Rumors | Closer  Weekly

In one of the most unexpected celebrity revelations of 2025, Hoda Kotb has confirmed she’s engaged to Kevin Costner — and the wedding is just weeks away.

After months of quiet speculation and subtle on-air chemistry, the former Today co-anchor finally broke her silence in a heartfelt interview, revealing that she and the Oscar-winning actor and director will wed in late summer 2025. The news, released during a candid segment, sent shockwaves across social media and the entertainment world.

The Announcement That Left Fans Speechless

Viewers were left stunned as Kotb, 60, casually dropped the bombshell on-air: Kevin Costner, 69, had proposed, and the two are officially planning a small, intimate ceremony next month. Details remain under wraps, but Kotb emphasized the wedding would be “authentic, simple, and focused on family — not Hollywood spectacle.”

This announcement follows nearly a year of media speculation and fan enthusiasm. The pair’s spark was first noticed during a Today with Hoda & Jenna segment in mid-2024. Since then, rumors of flirtation, connection, and even “secret dating” have circulated — though both stars remained quiet. Until now.

How It All Began: From Charity Work to Chemistry

According to insiders, Kotb and Costner first connected through mutual charity work in 2024. They reportedly bonded over shared values: family, storytelling, and the experience of starting over later in life.

“She brings joy and realness into the room,” one friend of Costner said. “He loves that she’s not swept up in Hollywood — and she loves that he’s just as grounded.”

Their relationship, insiders say, grew slowly and genuinely. And now, the couple is ready to take the next step — privately, but sincerely.

Second Chances and Real Love

For Kotb, this new chapter comes after a highly publicized breakup with fiancé Joel Schiffman in 2022. She has spoken openly in the past about heartbreak, healing, and the journey toward finding love again.

“This isn’t about making a splash,” she said in the interview. “It’s about peace, laughter, and starting fresh with someone who truly gets you.”

Costner, too, is coming off a difficult 2023 divorce. Since then, he’s kept a low profile — returning to directing and maintaining focus on his children and projects. But those close to him say Kotb has brought out a different side of him: lighter, happier, and more open to love.

Wedding Clues: What We Know So Far

While no official invitations or photos have surfaced, here’s what sources are saying:

Date: Late August or early September 2025
Location: Undisclosed, though possibilities include a scenic coastal location, the Carolinas, or a private estate in California
Guest List: Expect a mix of media personalities (like Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager) and Costner’s Hollywood circle
Dress Style: Kotb hinted at a gown that will be “comfortable, joyful, and true to me” — simple elegance over red carpet flash

Jenna Bush Hager is even rumored to be playing a key role in the ceremony — possibly as matron of honor or emcee.

Public Reaction: “The Love Story We Didn’t Know We Needed”

The announcement went viral within minutes. Fans flooded social media with throwback clips of Kotb and Costner’s early interactions, editing them into emotional montages. Savannah Guthrie commented on air, “If anyone deserves this kind of joy, it’s Hoda.”

Even celebrities joined in. Kelly Clarkson tweeted:

“This is the rom-com ending we’ve been waiting for — and it’s real life!”

What’s Next for the Couple?

While the wedding won’t be televised live, Kotb promised that fans will be included “in our own way.” She also teased an upcoming podcast focused on second chances and emotional resilience — with Costner as a rumored guest.

Meanwhile, major outlets like People, Entertainment Tonight, and Access Hollywood are already competing for exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage. The buzz is real, but so is the affection between these two stars.

The Final Word: Love, After Everything

From playful rumors to a real wedding, Hoda Kotb and Kevin Costner’s journey feels like something out of a movie — only better, because it’s grounded in mutual respect, shared healing, and authenticity.

“Sometimes love finds you,” Kotb said with a smile, “and you don’t run from it.”