Hoda Kotb Addresses Fans’ Wishes for a Romance with Kevin Costner

Hoda Kotb recently opened up about her love life during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. A fan asked her about the buzz surrounding her and Kevin Costner after his visit to the Today show with Jenna Bush Hager in June, sparking speculation that the two might be a couple.

Upon hearing the question, Kotb was taken aback, responding, “Wait, what?” Cohen explained that fans were eager to see them together, to which she replied, “I have never, ever heard that. Not one time.” After a moment of consideration, she jokingly added, “Well, if the viewers want it.”

Samantha Guthrie, another Today anchor, joined in on the fun, suggesting that both Kotb and Costner should “give the people what they want.”

Kotb was previously engaged to Joel Schiffman but called off their engagement in 2022. They share two daughters, Hailey Joy and Hope Catherine. Reflecting on their breakup, Kotb shared, “We decided that we’re better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple.”

Costner, who finalized his divorce from Christine Baumgartner in February 2023 after 18 years of marriage, has three children with her and previously was married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994, with whom he has three more children. He’s also denied past romance rumors with singer Jewel.

The conversation continued on the July 10 episode of Today With Hoda and Jenna, where Bush Hager revealed she had heard about the rumors and even had people suggesting she set the two up. “I didn’t know they were flirting behind my back,” she joked.

To keep the playful banter going, the Today team showcased a clip of Kotb and Costner’s interview set to romantic music, prompting Kotb to laugh, “Y’all are ridiculous. The slow-mo and the music, really?”

Despite not dating the Yellowstone star, Kotb expressed admiration for him, sharing a funny anecdote from his appearance on the show. “They described him as ‘so funny’ and said he likes to eat baked beans out of a can, like, he’s just a regular person,” she noted. When Bush Hager quipped about what was so appealing about baked beans, Kotb replied, “I like that he wasn’t fancy. I thought that was really cool.”