A simple first day of school turned into a heartwarming family moment for Hoda Kotb as she and her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman, walked their daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, to school together. On September 8, 2026, Hoda shared photos from the morning, and fans were immediately struck by how much the girls had grown. Haley, now beginning fourth grade, looked confident in a sporty striped dress, while seven-year-old Hope started second grade in a sweet floral dress paired with a denim jacket. Hoda added her own playful touch with a Broncos sweater and oversized pale denim trousers, while Joel opted for a relaxed but polished suit. The photos captured more than stylish first-day outfits—they showed two parents proudly sharing an important milestone in their daughters’ lives.
The setting made the moment even more meaningful. After leaving Manhattan, Hoda moved with her daughters to Bronxville, New York, where she purchased a spacious home for about $2.895 million. She has explained that the move was about giving Haley and Hope the kind of childhood she had imagined: space to play outside, ride bikes, enjoy the grass, and grow more independently. Hoda has also remained close with Joel since their engagement ended in 2022, and the two have continued working together as co-parents. Their appearance side by side for the girls’ first day of school offered a quiet reminder that families can evolve while love and commitment to children remain strong. For Hoda, watching her daughters walk confidently toward another school year seemed to represent exactly what she hoped that new chapter would bring.