Entertainment TV Hoda Kotb Is 'Treasuring' the Single Life as Her 'TODAY' Co-Hosts Joke They're 'Wildly Protective' Kotb said she's "tiptoeing along" in her dating life after ending her eight-year relationship with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 18, 2022 01:16 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Hoda Kotb is embracing the single life after her split from ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Joined by Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager at The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Most Powerful People event on Tuesday, Kotb opened up about "tiptoeing along" in her dating life as she focuses on other priorities. "I'm really enjoying my kids and my life," Kotb, 57, told Entertainment Tonight. "I'm treasuring this time." Fortunately the mother of two has the support of Guthrie, 50, and Hager, 40, during her journey. "Anybody who wants to date Hoda has to go through us first," Guthrie said, with Hager adding, "Yeah, and good luck. She's got two sisters who are wildly protective. Good luck!" Jamie McCarthy/Getty Savannah Guthrie Plans to Screen Hoda Kotb's Dates: They 'Have to Be Spectacular' In January, Kotb announced her split from ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman after an eight-year relationship. She said at the time that the former couple "decided that we're better as friends and parents" to daughters Haley, 5, and Hope, 3. "We decided we are going to start this new year ... on our new path as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children, and as friends," she said on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. "It's not like something happened. They say sometimes relationships are meant to be there for a reason, or a season or for a lifetime. And I feel like ours was meant to be there for a season." Joel Schiffman and Hoda Kotb in 2018. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Recently, Kotb told PEOPLE she can envision herself finding another serious partner someday but reiterated it's not currently a priority. "I haven't really thought about who I would see myself with, but I do have to say something," she said. "My sister even said and asked me at one point, 'Are afraid to be by yourself?' And I said to her, 'I'm not going to be by myself.' And I don't know why I said it so clearly, but I actually knew that my heart is open. I have an open heart." Kotb added, "It's not hard. It's not covered over. So, I know at some point and I can see it, it will happen. When? I can't say but I assured her I said, 'Oh, don't worry. No worries. I said I'm gonna be just fine.'"