Sophia Michaels
“It’s been a really tough week.”
Hoda Kotb revealed this week that she was once mom-shamed by a viewer for choosing to have children later in life. On “Today With Hoda & Jenna” Wednesday, she shared the story of how she opened a handwritten letter addressed to her home, expecting it to be a fan-mail request for her to sign a picture. However, the letter contained a scathing criticism of her decision to become a mother at her age.
Kotb said the letter took her breath away, as she had struggled with insecurities about being an older mom. “I was scared, like, ‘Is this something that is smart for me to do, and am I helping or am I ultimately going to be harming?’” she said. She was also taken aback by the fact that the individual who wrote her took “care and time and research” in order to send her a letter rather than criticizing her via social media.
Kotb adopted both of her daughters after the age of 50. She chose to adopt after a cancer battle left her unable to conceive. In times when she was “feeling terrible” about her decision to have kids later in life, she often thought of the cherished time she spent with her father, who passed away while she was in college.
After her revelation, fans sent the beloved talk show host messages of encouragement in the comments section of the “Hoda & Jenna” show’s Instagram account. One person wrote, “Having a parent who lives and cares for them is what matters. No one’s business her or anyone’s age.” Another added, “I am so very sorry you experienced that Hoda! Your girls are so very blessed to have you as their mom. Don’t ever doubt that.”
Kotb was absent from the morning show earlier this year after 3-year-old Hope was hospitalized. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from colleagues and fans when she returned to the show. “You have no idea how much it means to me and my family,” she said. “It’s been a really tough week.”
