Hoda Kotb is starting to take notice of the ongoing speculation surrounding her and Kevin Costner. 

After several unexpected run-ins with the Hollywood icon, the former Today show anchor is questioning whether their frequent encounters are simply coincidence—or something more.

A Pattern of Crossed Paths

During an appearance at the Runway for Recovery fashion show in New York City on February 27, Kotb, 60, acknowledged the growing buzz about her and Costner, 70. 

“Isn’t it sort of weird that he always ends up where I am?” she mused. “I mean, I’m just living my life, and there he is. It just keeps happening.”

The television personality went a step further, playfully wondering if there was more to the situation than just chance. 

“When is it not a coincidence anymore? That’s what I was wondering,” she admitted.

The Romance Rumors Begin

The speculation surrounding Kotb and Costner first gained traction in June 2024, after the actor appeared on Today With Hoda & Jenna for an interview. Viewers couldn’t help but notice the chemistry between the two, with many suggesting that the single stars should consider dating.

During a July 2024 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, a fan directly asked Kotb about the rumors, wanting to know if she and Costner had remained in touch after their interview. Kotb, seemingly caught off guard, confessed she had never heard about the gossip before. However, she played along, teasing, “Well, if the viewers want it …” while looking into the camera.

That same month, Kotb’s Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager, 43, added fuel to the fire, sharing that she was constantly approached by fans urging her to set Kotb up with Costner. “People were coming up to me on the streets,” Bush Hager said. “I’m telling you, people were like, ‘You should set up Hoda and Kevin Costner.’ And I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize they were flirting behind my back.’”

To further stir the pot, Bush Hager even surprised Kotb with a montage of their interview, complete with romantic jazz music playing in the background.

Kotb’s Take on Costner

Despite the growing chatter, Kotb has remained lighthearted about the idea of a potential romance. However, she did take a moment to praise Costner, sharing that she admired his down-to-earth nature.

“I did love when he had his people, who were here, and they were just talking about him, they were like, ‘He is so funny,’” she recalled. “And they were describing, like, he likes to eat baked beans out of the can. Like, he’s just a regular person.”

Though she hasn’t confirmed or denied any romantic involvement, Kotb didn’t hesitate to poke fun at the rumors herself. While attending Super Bowl LIX in February, she shared an Instagram post featuring a photo of her alongside Costner, captioning it, “Oh what funnnnn!!! #superbowl #nolastrong.”

The playful post didn’t go unnoticed by her former colleagues, with Today anchor Savannah Guthrie tagging Bush Hager in the comments, writing, “New couple alert cc @jennabhager 🚨.” Bush Hager responded enthusiastically, saying, “@savannahguthrie we have been waiting for this moment!”

Their Romantic Histories

Both Kotb and Costner have been open about their past relationships. Kotb was previously married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008 before moving on with financier Joel Schiffman. She and Schiffman were together for eight years before ending their engagement in January 2022. They continue to co-parent their two daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5.

Costner, on the other hand, finalized his divorce from Christine Baumgartner in September 2023, following a highly publicized legal battle. The former couple was married for nearly 19 years and shares three children: Cayden, 17, Hayes, 16, and Grace, 14. Costner also has three older children—Annie, 40, Lily, 38, and Joe, 37—from his first marriage to Cindy Silva, as well as a son, Liam, 28, from a previous relationship with Bridget Rooney.

A Passion for Giving Back

While the romance speculation continues, Kotb remains focused on causes close to her heart. She was thrilled to be part of the Runway for Recovery fashion show, which supports families impacted by metastatic breast cancer.

“A lot of people who have watched Today for years have asked me about one thing, and they asked me about breast cancer,” Kotb, a breast cancer survivor herself, shared. “You realize how many people have it, and they just need to see somebody on the other side.”

Her commitment to the event, she said, was an easy decision. “So, when they told me about this event, which has obviously been done in several places, I kind of ran to it because it’s something I care a lot about, and I hope that they raise a lot of money.”

What’s Next for Kotb?

Since stepping down from her full-time hosting duties on Today in January, Kotb has been focused on her next chapter, which includes launching a wellness company and app aimed at helping people find balance and personal growth. She has also signed on as a special correspondent for NBC, where she will cover major events, including the upcoming Olympic Games.

As for her love life, Kotb has expressed that she is open to dating again, but whether her ongoing encounters with Costner will turn into something more remains to be seen.

For now, she seems to be taking the speculation in stride, leaving fans to wonder: Is this just a string of coincidences, or is there something more to the story? Only time will tell.

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