Hoda Kotb's Journey: From Love To Heartbreak And Back Again

Love knows no bounds, and for Today anchor Hoda Kotb, her heart has experienced it all. With her current relationship with boyfriend Joel Schiffman blossoming, whispers of another wedding are in the air. If they do tie the knot, it would be Hoda's second chance at marriage after her first union with Burzis Kanga ended a decade ago. Let's dive deeper into Hoda's past marriage to understand her journey of love and heartbreak!

Hoda’s story with Burzis Kanga began at a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the American Heart Association in New Orleans, the city where they both had deep roots. Back in the 1990s, Hoda was a local news anchor in New Orleans, while Burzis was making waves as the head coach for men’s and women’s tennis at the University of New Orleans. Despite Hoda moving to New York City to join Dateline NBC, their connection remained strong. They dated on and off for years, and finally, in May 2005, Burzis proposed. Seven months later, they exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Reflecting on her newfound married life in a 2006 interview with New Orleans Living, Hoda quipped, “If I would have known it was this much fun, I probably would have done it a long time ago!”

When Love Meets Life's Challenges

Burzis Kanga. (Photo Credit: YouTube)

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At the time, Burzis had carved out a respectable niche for himself in New Orleans as the head coach of men’s and women’s tennis at the University of New Orleans. However, life threw a curveball when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, flooding his apartment and forcing him to rebuild his life from scratch. Hoda spoke openly about the challenges they faced during this period, noting, “I think he’s just finding his way, you know. But it’s been good.”

When Things Go South

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last forever. In February 2007, Hoda filed for divorce, and the couple's marriage officially ended a year later. Reflecting on their split, Burzis told RadarOnline.com earlier this year, “We had some differences. My father was ill. She was battling breast cancer. It was a difficult time for both of us.”

Burzis admitted he was “surprised” when Hoda initiated the divorce, but over the years, he has gained a clearer perspective. “The divorce happened under difficult conditions,” he explained. “There were personal reasons for both of us. In hindsight, there was a level of immaturity on my part, mistakes I made. It was unfortunate that our marriage was so short-lived. It’s a shame it ended that way.”

Life After Marriage

Burzis also revealed that the fast-paced life in New York City was overwhelming for him, as he was accustomed to the slower, more relaxed lifestyle of New Orleans. Despite the challenges, he doesn't seem to harbor any regrets about their time together. “I will always cherish our memories,” he said. “She is the epitome of class. I think the world of her. We had great memories together, and I will always hold those close to my heart.”