Hoda Kotb Teases 'Something Fun' with HGTV Icon

3 hours ago 1

Sophie Hessekiel is a Newsweek writer based in Los Angeles. Her focus is on celebrity news and entertainment. She has also written extensively about culture and relationships for a variety of publications, including Mashable and the Los Angeles Times. Her writing can also be seen in the book Squishmallows: Radiate Positivity and on the Fox drama series The Cleaning Lady. Sophie began contributing to Newsweek in 2024 and is a graduate of Vassar College. You can see more examples of her work and contact her at sophiehessekiel.com.

Sophie Hessekiel

Contributing Entertainment Writer

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors

Hoda Kotb left her longtime role on Today in part to spend more time with her two daughters, but that doesn't mean the 60-year-old anchor will be sitting idle. In fact, the journalist, podcast host, and media personality has already been hard at work on several new projects — including one with an HGTV legend.

Kotb shared some photos of herself and former Fixer Upper host Joanna Gaines working in what appeared to be a new office space on Tuesday, February 4. In the caption, she wrote, "Remember i was talking about repotting—- gotta take first steps....We have something fun cooking! Come along on the great adventure.....Stay tunedI love @joannagaines." The photos, which were also shared by 46-year-old designer Gaines, showed the duo hugging, walking around the office space, and posing with a group of unidentified people.

Kotb seemed to be referring to a conversation she had on Today with former co-host Maria Shriver in October 2024, when she spoke about planning the next phase of her life. "I love the term 'repotting,'" Kotb said at the time. "It's like you're pulled up by your very roots, your foundation, everything that grounds you, and your roots are in the air and you're scared. 'Where am I going to land?'"

Gaines seemed to be sticking with the repotting theme when she commented on the photos, as she used a plant emoji to encourage her new colleague. "Let's go!!! So incredibly proud of you @hodakotb 🥹🌱," wrote the TV personality, who now runs her own network, The Magnolia Network, with husband and business partner Chip Gaines.

Though there were no details about what the news anchor and the home design specialist were working on, fans seemed excited to see whatever their collaboration would yield. "Hoda + Joanna?! I can't wait!!! ❤️" wrote one fan. Another added, "I can't wait - super exciting!"

Hoda has previously mentioned that she is creating a new wellness venture as one of her big projects after Today.

"I am starting a wellness app and company that will involve retreats and a podcast and all kinds of things that we can get together, do things that I love," she said on The Kelly Clarkson Show on January 6.