Hoda Kotb’s Adoption Journey Bolstered by Sandra Bullock’s Unexpected Support

Hoda Kotb, the beloved former co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY show, opened up about her emotional adoption journey on the Open Book with Jenna podcast, revealing to co-host Jenna Bush Hager that A-list actress Sandra Bullock provided unexpected support that profoundly shaped her path to motherhood. Despite not being close friends, Bullock, herself an adoptive mother, offered heartfelt guidance that went beyond Kotb’s expectations, leaving both viewers and colleagues stunned. Kotb, who adopted her daughters Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 6, after battling breast cancer, credited Bullock’s encouragement as a pivotal influence, inspiring her to embrace motherhood at 52 and navigate the challenges of adopting later in life.

Kotb’s journey to motherhood was fraught with emotional hurdles. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, the treatment left her unable to conceive, a devastating blow for someone who had long dreamed of becoming a mother. “I never said out loud that I wanted kids because it felt too late,” Kotb shared on the podcast, echoing sentiments from her 2023 appearance on Just B with Bethenny Frankel. The fear of voicing her desire stemmed from the belief that it was unattainable, but seeing Bullock, who adopted her son Louis in 2010 and daughter Laila in 2015, gave Kotb hope. “When I saw Sandra Bullock, I’m like, oh, she did that. Okay, so that’s not terrifying,” Kotb told Hager, highlighting how Bullock’s example as a single mother in her 50s made adoption feel achievable.

The connection between Kotb and Bullock deepened when Kotb reached out for advice. “I called her and said, ‘Tell me about motherhood,’ and she said, ‘It is the best decision I ever made,’” Kotb recounted on TODAY in August 2024, during a segment celebrating her 60th birthday. Bullock’s words, delivered with conviction, were a turning point, emboldening Kotb to pursue adoption with her then-partner, Joel Schiffman. The process culminated in 2017 when Kotb adopted Haley, followed by Hope in 2019. “When they said, ‘She’s here,’ it was like a puzzle piece snapped in,” Kotb recalled, describing the moment she learned of Haley’s arrival. Bullock’s unexpected support, despite their casual acquaintance, left a lasting impact, with Kotb noting, “She led the way.”

Fans and colleagues were astonished by the depth of Bullock’s involvement, given the lack of a prior close bond. On X, viewers expressed awe, with one writing, “Sandra stepping up for Hoda like that is pure class!” Kotb’s openness about her journey, amplified by Bullock’s encouragement, resonated widely, especially among women who felt motherhood was out of reach. Her colleague Kathie Lee Gifford, speaking to PEOPLE in 2020, noted that Kotb had privately carried “a hole in her heart” until adoption filled it. Bullock’s own milestone message for Kotb’s 60th birthday, aired on TODAY, added a lighthearted touch, with the actress joking about navigating her 60s first to “check out the terrain” for Kotb, reinforcing their bond.

Kotb’s decision to leave TODAY on January 10, 2025, after 17 years, was driven by her desire to prioritize Haley and Hope. “I just turned 60, and I realized it was time to turn the page,” she told viewers on September 26, 2024. Her adoption journey, bolstered by Bullock’s unexpected mentorship, has become a beacon of hope, inspiring others to pursue parenthood later in life. As Kotb embraces this new chapter, her story—marked by resilience, vulnerability, and an A-lister’s surprising support—continues to captivate, proving that love and family can transcend age and obstacles, leaving an indelible mark on fans and colleagues alike.