SHE READ ONE CHAPTER — AND EVERYTHING CHANGED: Hoda Kotb’s EMOTIONAL REACTION To Her Daughter’s Discovery

In a deeply moving moment, Hoda Kotb, the former Today show host, experienced an unexpected revelation when her 8-year-old daughter, Haley Joy, stumbled upon a life-altering truth about her mother. While reading Kotb’s memoir, Haley learned that her mother had battled breast cancer in 2007, a chapter of Kotb’s life that had not yet been shared directly with her young daughter. What followed was a display of maturity, love, and connection that left Kotb speechless and in tears, reaffirming her decision to adopt her daughters.

Kotb, 61, shared this poignant story during a heartfelt conversation on Jenna Bush Hager’s Open Book podcast on September 23. The mother of two—Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 6—recounted how Haley, engrossed in her book, suddenly exclaimed, “You had breast cancer?!” Kotb, who underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2007 and has remained cancer-free since, admitted her initial shock. “I was like, ‘Oh my God! Oh geez!’” she recalled. But rather than shy away from the moment, Kotb embraced it as an opportunity to foster openness and deepen her bond with her daughter.

What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. Haley, displaying a maturity far beyond her years, took it upon herself to research breast cancer online. Armed with her newfound knowledge, the 8-year-old approached her mother with advice on what she needed to do to stay healthy, even after her surgery. “She came to me with this serious little face, telling me about diet, exercise, and follow-up screenings,” Kotb shared, her voice breaking with emotion. “She was telling me what I needed to do to take care of myself. I couldn’t believe it.”

This unexpected act of love and concern from Haley left Kotb overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. “I was in tears,” she admitted. “To see my little girl, who I chose and who chose me, care so deeply—it was one of those moments that makes you feel like you’re doing something right as a parent.” Kotb, who adopted both Haley and Hope, has often spoken about the profound responsibility she feels to be fully present for her daughters. “I didn’t just want to choose them and move on with my life,” she explained. “I want to know them, to connect with them as people.”

Since stepping away from her role on the Today show in January to prioritize her family, Kotb has focused on creating space for these meaningful interactions. She told Bush Hager that leaving the fast-paced world of morning television allowed her to engage in deeper conversations with her daughters. “We’re knowing each other as humans, not just as mom and kid,” she said. “It’s like carving out these small, precious pockets of time that make all the difference.”

Haley’s initiative to educate herself about her mother’s health underscored the strength of their bond. “She’s only 8, but she’s already so wise,” Kotb said. “Her love, her care—it’s overwhelming in the best way.” This moment also reaffirmed Kotb’s decision to adopt, a choice she described as mutual. “My kids chose me, and I chose them,” she said. “And moments like this make me feel like we were meant to be together.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kotb emphasized the importance of being present for the “small things” in her daughters’ lives. In a May interview with PEOPLE, she shared how leaving Today allowed her to witness milestones like Haley singing “What a Wonderful World” at a school event—moments she would have missed otherwise. “I used to think life was about the big things,” she said. “But it’s really all the stuff that happens in between.”

Haley’s compassion and initiative have left an indelible mark on Kotb, who continues to marvel at her daughter’s heart. “She’s teaching me as much as I’m teaching her,” Kotb said, her tears a testament to a love that transcends words. For Kotb, this moment was a powerful reminder that the decision to adopt was not just right—it was destiny.