Hoda Kotb finally has something in common with Madonna.
No, the Today Show co-host has not said anything of late about a desire to blow up the White House.
But Hoda has come out and surprised fans by revealing that she just adopted a baby girl!
And here’s a photo of Kotb and that baby girl, who is named Haley Joy Kotb!
The Today anchor revealed on Tuesday morning that the newborn entered the world on February 14, prompting her to gush over the phone on air:
“She’s a Valentine’s baby so she’s a little nugget. She is the love of my life!”
The precious arrival thrilled and stunned Hoda’s famous colleagues, except for close friend Kathie Lee Gifford, who knew about the adoption a few days ago… yet somehow managed to keep the news a secret.
“I’ve got the biggest mouth in the world and I’ve said zilch,” Gifford said. “Hoda, we are thrilled for you, sweetheart. You were made to be a mom.”
Matt Lauer, of course, agreed with this assessment.
“This is such fantastic news. This little girl, Haley, is the luckiest girl on the planet,” he said, adding:
“You are going to be one of the most fantastic moms I can ever imagine.”
Kotb is 52 years old.
She moved in with her boyfriend, Joel Schiffman, last year and was previously married to former University of New Orleans tennis coach Burzis Kanga.
The couple divorced in 2007 after two years as husband and wife; they had no children together.
“Can’t. Stop. Crying. So thrilled for you , @hodakotb,” wrote Jenna Hager Bush on Twitter. “Haley Joy’s life will be defined by *JOY* with you as a mama. Love!”
Added Savannah Guthrie:
“Overjoyed for @hodakotb and her little comet Haley – a brilliant flash of light for our world. Love love love and LOVE.”
As you can see below, they weren’t the only people happy for Kotb and her little one:
Last week, Hoda hinted at the reason behind her recent time off by sharing inspirational quotes on her social media account.
“And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings,” read one of the messages, while another read:
“For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.”
And Kotb continued down this same motivational path this morning, updating her Instagram page with a photo that had the following words written on it:
“And then my soul saw you and it kind of went ‘Oh there you are. I’ve been looking for you."”
We’re so very happy for Hoda!
She is one of several celebrities who have become a parent via adoption.
Click around below to see which other stars fit this parental bill and send them all your congratulations!
