Hoda Kotb Delights With Announcement of New Children's Book on 'Today'
Hoda Kotb has revealed some "very personal" news.
Earlier this week, her Today cohost Craig Melvin teased a "huge announcement" coming soon from the anchor, and now, fans have learned that Kotb has fulfilled a passion project of hers: writing another children's book.
The new read, entitled Hope is a Rainbow, was inspired by her life as a mom, and named after her youngest daughter, Hope.
Sharing the previously-hinted at news in a segment during the Wednesday, August 2 broadcast, the mom-of-two—who is also mother to 6-year-old Haley— talked about the book with a group of young readers in the Bronx, New York, spray painting a wall with the title.
"It reminds me that hope is in every corner, no matter what hardship you endure," the journalist divulged.
As Parade previously reported, Kotb had taken several weeks away from her seat on the show to care for her daughter when the young girl was hospitalized in the ICU in February/March due to a "really scary" medical condition.
She gave supporters an update on the preschooler's health in May, saying, "Hope's doing much better, much better. I think it's going to be a longer road [of recovery], but she is doing great."
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Though exciting, the unveiled project isn't Hoda's first publication. The new addition serves as a follow-up to 2018's I've Loved You Since Forever, which was inspired by Haley's birth. The upcoming book is already available for pre-order and is set to release in March 2024.
In other news, the 58-year-old media veteran provided insight into what else fans can expect this week on the show, revealing that she had a chance to connect with the late Tony Bennett's widow, Susan Benedetto, and his eldest son, Danny.
"Thursday, by the way, guys, would have been the legendary singer's 97th birthday," she teased, adding, "And they also shared something very touching, the very last song that Tony sang to Susan; it was just days before his passing."
Yet another heartwarming thing Today viewers can look forward to watching!
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