Hoda Kotb Fights Back Tears While Defending Becoming a Mom Later in Life

Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb was 52 when she adopted her daughter, Haley Joy, in 2017—and two years later, she adopted her second daughter, Hope Catherine. During a recent Today segment, Kotb fought back tears while defending becoming a mom later in life.

Recently, Kotb and her Today co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, discussed what actress Sienna Miller, who is 41 and pregnant with a baby girl, said about being an older mom.

Bush Hager quoted Miller as having told Vogue: "I'd love to get to a point where I didn't feel the need to make a joke of my being older and having a baby. To show I'm in on the joke."

Kotb replied, "I think a lot of people do that. Like, you want to beat them to the punch. So you make the joke about, 'Oh, I'm an older mom.'"

To that, Bush Hager said, "It's interesting because you had kids later, and yet, you do not do this."

"I am so happy and fulfilled with my decision that I don't feel any ounce of shame or ouch," Kotb explained. "My dad died when I was in college. You get your parent for as long as you get your parent. And they lay a foundation that you cannot shake."

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The co-hosts took a moment to soak in the sentiment as Kotb became visibly emotional and wiped a tear from her eye. When the mom of two couldn't find the words to continue, Bush Hager elaborated on the 59-year-old's approach to becoming a mom later in life.

"Hoda doesn't feel l like she needs a joke because she is so delighted by them that when you lead with delight, guess what follows? Delight," the former first daughter said. "When you lead with enthusiasm—and this has to do with everything—people are enthusiastic back. If you lead with love, guess what comes back? Love."

She added, "I love that you're totally secure in it."

Kotb declared: "It was the best decisions I've ever made."

Next: Hoda Kotb's Daughters Delight Fans With Rare Appearance on 'Today' Show