Hoda Kotb says daughter Haley learned of mom’s breast cancer battle from her new book
Kotb discusses Haley’s reaction on Open Book and reflects on the personal conversations the episode sparked, as she balances family life with past NBC role changes.
Hoda Kotb says her 8-year-old daughter Haley learned of her mother’s breast cancer battle by reading Kotb’s new book Jump and Find Joy. On Tuesday’s episode of Open Book with Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb recounted Haley’s astonishment: “You had breast cancer?!,” a moment she described as jarring but ultimately productive for their relationship. Kotb, 61, noted that the moment opened a real conversation about who they are as people, beyond titles or roles, and underscored the value of addressing tough family topics openly.
Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and has since remained cancer-free. The revelation in her book prompted Haley to confront something she had only glimpsed in stories or headlines, and Kotb framed the exchange as a turning point toward deeper understanding within the family.
“I saw Haley reading my book, and there’s probably a lot of stuff in there that she doesn’t know,” Kotb told Hager. “The fact is, I think we’re knowing each other as people, humans—not just mom or, you know, or kid.” The conversation arrived as Kotb adjusts to life after stepping away from the NBC morning program she spent 26 years on, a move she described as creating space to be more present with her children, Haley and Hope, 6, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.
The episode is part of a broader arc in which Kotb has discussed her decision to shift focus away from the daily grind of the “Today” show. She told People in March that leaving the show helped her witness her kids’ daily lives in a new way and highlighted smaller moments she once missed, such as Haley singing “What a Wonderful World” at 9:15 a.m. The shift, she explained, was less about stepping back from work and more about a change in how she engaged with her family.
“Take it small,” she said she reminds herself, emphasizing the importance of ongoing, meaningful conversations with her children. Open Book has provided a framework for those talks, as Kotb and her co-hosts explore parenting, illness, and resilience in a candid, human way.
Kotb acknowledged that her decision to recalibrate her career came with additional personal considerations, including her oldest daughter Haley’s questions about health and an awareness of how health crises can reshape family dynamics. Two months after leaving Today, she spoke about her youngest daughter Hope’s Type 1 diabetes and how that diagnosis weighed into her decision to depart the program. The family’s health journey has continued to influence Kotb’s perspective on what matters most—being present and engaged in her children's everyday lives.
In September 2024, Kotb announced her retirement from daily television duties, describing it as the start of a “season of repotting and growth.” She spoke of roots being in flux, then settling into soil that allowed for new growth and deeper connections with her family. The remarks underscored a long arc of personal transformation that stretches back to her cancer diagnosis and forward into a life where she prioritizes presence alongside professional accomplishments.
As Kotb’s public conversation with Haley evolves, she has sought to model how families can address difficult topics honestly and with care. Her experience reflects a broader trend in which public figures share personal health narratives to help normalize discussion of illness and treatment in families facing similar challenges. The exchange with Haley, captured in Jump and Find Joy and recounted on Open Book, underscores the ongoing balance many parents strike between maintaining a public profile and nurturing intimate, supportive family relationships.
Image usage and ongoing coverage: the outlet notes underscore how personal disclosures can foster awareness and dialogue within families dealing with health issues, and how parenting choices—such as stepping back from a high-demand job—can influence children’s sense of security and connection. As Kotb continues to navigate a quieter media presence while remaining a public figure, the focus remains on health, resilience, and family bonds that endure beyond television screens.
