Ever wonder who shaped Hoda Kotb into the warm, optimistic person we see on TV every morning?
Meet Sameha Kotb – the remarkable Egyptian mother who quietly built the foundation for one of America’s most beloved television personalities.
This isn’t just another celebrity mom story – it’s about a woman who proves that sometimes the most powerful people are the ones we never see on camera.
Sameha Kotb Quick Bio
| Facts | Information |
| Nickname | Sami |
| Birthplace | Egypt |
| Education | Cairo University (1958) |
| Marriage | Abdel Kader Kotb (1959) |
| Children | Hoda Kotb, Hala Kotb, Adel Kotb |
| Grandchildren | Haley Joy, Hope Catherine, Hannah, Ella |
| Career | Library of Congress (30+ years) |
| Birthday | April 17 |
| Notable Achievement | Marine Corps Marathon at age 60 |
Early Life and Egyptian Heritage
Picture this: a young woman leaving everything she knows in Egypt to start fresh in America with just hope and determination.
Sameha Kotb was born in Egypt, where she met her future husband Abdel Kader Kotb at Cairo University after they both graduated in 1958.
Their love story reads like something from a movie – Abdel invited his female coworkers to watch him row, but Sami was the only one who showed up, and the rest is history.
One week after their traditional Egyptian wedding in 1959, the newlyweds packed their dreams and moved to the United States.
Can you imagine making such a huge life change at just 22 years old?
This brave leap would shape not just their lives, but the future of American morning television through their daughter’s incredible career.
Sameha Kotb Family Life and Motherhood
Three Children and Loss
Sameha and Abdel built their Egyptian-American family with three children: Hoda Kotb, daughter Hala Kotb, and son Adel Kotb.
Life threw them a curveball when Abdel passed away in 1986 at just 51 after a heart attack.
Suddenly, Sami found herself raising three kids alone while working full-time at the Library of Congress – talk about strength under pressure.
Parenting Philosophy
Here’s what makes Sameha‘s parenting style so special – she was strict but loving without being harsh.
“She was a great mom. She was strict,” Hoda shared in a 2016 Today interview, explaining how her mom’s clear boundaries actually created security.
When kids said “everyone else is doing it,” Sami would simply respond that she couldn’t care less what anyone else was doing – and somehow, that worked.
Support for Her Children’s Endeavors
Even as a busy working mother, Sameha went above and beyond for her kids’ success.
Remember those early morning Washington Post paper route days when Hoda and Adel delivered newspapers?
Sami would get up before dawn to drop papers at different corners, making their job easier – now that’s dedication.
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Sameha Kotb Professional Career at the Library of Congress
For over 30 years, Sameha worked at the Library of Congress, building relationships that lasted decades.
Hoda once said, “I can’t remember a time when my mom didn’t work. She has forever been on the move — a go-getter.” Her mother’s determination and sociable nature made her well-known at the library. “To this day, my mom’s unsinkable spirit is an inspiration to me. Everyone knows Sameha simply as ‘Sami,’” she shared in 2012.
Her colleague friendships weren’t just professional – they planned fun coffee breaks, wore Halloween costumes to work, and got together outside the office.
“Along with 500 miles of shelved books, her closest friendships are cataloged in that library,” Hoda once wrote about her mom’s work life.
Grandmother Role: “Tata” to Four Grandchildren
Haley Joy and Hope Catherine have a special name for their grandmother – Tata, which means grandma in Lebanese Arabic.
But Sameha isn’t just grandma to Hoda‘s daughters – she’s also Tata to Adel‘s children: Hannah, who’s currently at Cornell University, and Ella.
The bond between Sami and her four grandchildren runs deep, with Hoda saying “She loves her grandkids and they love her beyond.”
Hoda once told Jenna Bush Hager: “I have to say watching her with Haley and Hope is one of the greatest joys of my life. There’s probably nothing better. I’m watching, like, the years peel off of her as the kids climb up on her.”
The Family’s Fashion Stylist
Want to know Hoda‘s secret to looking great on TV?
Beyond TV styling, Sameha even joked about picking Hoda’s wedding dress. “She said, ‘Honey, do you want me to pick your wedding dress?’ And I said, ‘Well, you picked the first one, so yes, please pick the second one!'” Hoda laughed, recalling the moment.
Her mom picks out most of her outfits! “Yeah, if I’m wearing a good outfit, she picked it,” Hoda admitted with a laugh.
Sameha‘s fashion stylist skills extend beyond TV appearances – she regularly shops for Haley and Hope, asking about their clothing sizes and keeping their wardrobes fresh.
Unwavering Optimism and Support
Here’s what makes Sami truly special – her unwavering optimism that seems to never fade.
“She falls in love over and over again with people, with places, with a new dish. She wakes up happy,” Hoda wrote about her mother’s positive attitude.
Even when a hurricane’s approaching, Sameha will look outside and say, “Maybe not this moment, but it will be nice in about an hour.”
This family support system has been Hoda‘s foundation throughout her entire career, with her mom’s constant “You can do it!” creating unshakeable confidence.
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Sameha Kotb Supporting Through Major Life Challenges
When Hoda faced breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy in 2007, Sameha was right there beside her.
She was one of the last people Hoda saw before surgery, with the doctor reassuring the terrified mother: “Miss Kotb, I’m gonna take care of your little girl and bring her home.”
During Hope‘s ICU hospitalization in 2023, Sami proved once again that she’s the family’s rock during tough times.
Athletic Achievement: Marathon Runner at 60
At 60 years old, Sameha decided to tackle the Marine Corps Marathon – and actually finished it!
Her kids cheered her on throughout Washington, D.C., mapping out spots to yell encouragement along the route.
When the heat got tough around mile 6, Hoda actually joined her mom for several miles of the race, running and walking together until they heard the Marine Corps Band at the finish line.
Culinary Contributions and TV Appearances
Sami has made several appearances on the Today show, cooking alongside Hoda and sharing family recipes.
Together, they’ve whipped up pesto salmon, pot roast, cauliflower mash, and her famous baklava that even Al Roker specifically mentions.
“My mom’s roast is great comfort food. It always reminds me of home,” Hoda shared during one of their cooking segments.
Modern Technology Adaptation
Despite being from a generation that didn’t grow up with smartphones, Sameha embraced technology to stay connected with family.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she used FaceTime calls regularly to maintain close bonds with Hoda and her granddaughters.
This technology use for family connection shows how adaptable and forward-thinking she really is.
Current Life and Continued Involvement
Sameha celebrated Haley‘s 8th birthday at a bowling alley in January 2025, showing she’s still actively involved in every family milestone.
When Hoda made her retirement from Today show announcement to focus on family, Sami recorded a heartfelt video message: “Hodie, I’m proud of you, and I’m sure you’re going to be doing great work later on.”
The Thanksgiving 2024 family gathering included Sameha, Hoda‘s daughters, Adel, Hala, sister-in-law Colleen, and nieces Hannah and Ella – proving this tight-knit family stays connected.
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Sameha Kotb Legacy and Impact
Sameha Kotb represents something powerful – the quiet strength of mothers who shape public figures from behind the scenes.
Her Arabic cultural influence, combined with American values, created the perfect environment for Hoda to develop her authentic, warm television personality.
Through decades of relationship building, marathon running, and being the family’s emotional anchor, Sami shows us what true family legacy looks like.
The next time you watch Hoda on TV, remember the incredible woman who shaped her – Sameha “Sami” Kotb, proving that behind every great person is often an even greater mother.
What Makes Sami Special:
- Called “Tata” by her grandchildren (Lebanese Arabic for grandma)
- Personal fashion stylist for Hoda‘s TV appearances
- Famous for her homemade baklava recipe
- Built lasting colleague friendships over three decades
- Adapted to modern technology during COVID-19 isolation
FAQ’s About Sameha Kotb
Q: What does “Tata” mean?
Tata is the informal word for grandmother in Lebanese Arabic, which Haley Joy and Hope Catherine use for Sameha.
Q: How long did Sameha work at the Library of Congress?
Sami worked at the Library of Congress for more than 30 years before retirement.
Q: When did Sameha and Abdel immigrate to America?
They moved to the United States one week after their Egyptian wedding in 1959.
Q: What marathon did Sameha complete?
She finished the Marine Corps Marathon at age 60, with her children cheering her on throughout Washington, D.C.
Q: How many grandchildren does Sameha have?
Sameha is grandmother to four: Haley Joy, Hope Catherine (Hoda’s daughters), and Hannah and Ella (Adel’s daughters).
Q: Does Sameha still help with Hoda’s wardrobe?
Yes! Hoda admits that if she’s wearing a good outfit, her mom Sami picked it out.
Q: What’s Sameha’s birthday?
Sameha celebrates her birthday on April 17 each year.
What aspect of Sami‘s story inspires you most? Her resilience after loss, her unwavering support, or her ability to stay positive no matter what life throws her way?
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, verified media interviews, and reputable sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to change over time.
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