Today Show host Hoda Kotb opened up about her private divorce, which was shared on-air without her permission.
The TV star, 58, split from her fiancé Joel Schiffman earlier this year following an eight-year relationship, during which they welcomed daughters Haley and Hope. She was previously married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008, but her co-host Kathie Lee Gifford was the reason their split became public knowledge.
WATCH: Inside Hoda Kotb's family life - all the details
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen alongside Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda said she admitted to Kathie that she hated Valentine's Day while getting ready in the makeup room before the holiday special. She explained the reason was due to the links to her ex-husband and their subsequent divorce, but she didn't expect Kathie to share the "huge grenade" during the show!
When asked if any of her co-hosts have shared a story about her on-air that she wishes they hadn't she replied: "Kath did it to me, she threw one huge grenade once.
HODA EXCLUSIVE: Hoda Kotb shares happy holiday plans with daughters and ex Joel Schiffman
Hoda admitted she was left shocked when Kathie spoke about her divorce live on-air in 2008
"I was telling her that I was married once before and I met my husband on Valentine's Day, and I got the divorce papers on Valentine's Day and it was Valentine's Day," she said.
"We go out to the set. It's all decorated with flowers and hearts, and I go, 'Good morning! Happy Valentine's Day!' And she looks at me and she goes, 'Not for you!'"
Recalling her shock, she added: "I go, 'What are you doing?' But I remember that grenade fell right on the table. I didn't know what to do. I was so new, I didn't know what to say. I said, 'That was makeup room talk. That wasn't for out here, because we're happy out here.'
The TV star was previously engaged to Joel Schiffman
"Anyway, it happens," Hoda concluded. She has since come to terms with sharing her personal life with her fans, as she announced she had split from her long-term partner financier Joel on-air in January 2022.
Hoda and Joel dated for six years before he popped the question with a white diamond and sapphire engagement ring thought to be worth $250k in November 2019. They delayed their wedding for several years amid the coronavirus pandemic before announcing their decision to separate.
In an emotional statement, Hoda said to Jenna: "Joel and I have had a lot of prayerful and really meaningful conversations over the holidays, and we decided that we're better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple.
"We decided that we are going to start this new year and begin it kind of on our new path as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children, and as friends," she said.
UP NEXT: 7 Today Show hosts' fairytale wedding photos: From Dylan Dreyer to Jenna Bush Hager
Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.
