Have you ever wondered who helped shape the kind, warm, and strong woman we all know as Hoda Kotb? Behind her bright smile and inspiring voice is the story of a man who meant the world to her — A.K. Kotb, her father.
He may not be famous like Hoda, but A.K. Kotb lived a life full of love, hard work, and quiet strength. He was a smart and gentle man who always believed in his children. Even though he passed away many years ago, his memory still lives on in the most beautiful ways.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at who A.K. Kotb, Hoda Kotb’s father, really was — his early life, his move from Egypt to America, his work, and the lasting love he left behind.
A.K. Kotb Quick Bio
| Full Name | Abdel Kader “A.K.” Kotb |
| Birth Date | May 29, 1932 |
| Birth Place | Cairo, Egypt |
| Death Year | 1985 |
| Age at Death | 51 |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Nationality | Egyptian-American |
| Profession | Fossil Energy Specialist |
| Workplace | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Famous For | Hoda Kotb’s father |
| Spouse | Sameha (Sami) Kotb |
| Children | Hoda, Adel, Hala |
| Home City | Washington, D.C. |
| Legacy | Loving father, kind man, respected worker |
A.K. Kotb’s Early Life in Egypt
A.K. Kotb was born on May 29, 1932, in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is a busy city full of history, energy, and culture. That’s where A.K. grew up, surrounded by strong traditions and a love for learning.
From a young age, he was known for being smart, gentle, and deeply curious. He had a strong interest in science and energy, and he worked hard in school. His dreams were big — and he believed education was the key to changing his life and helping others.
Just like many young men in Egypt at the time, A.K. wanted to explore new opportunities beyond his home country. And soon, his journey would take him across the world.
Moving to America for a Better Future
After finishing his studies, A.K. Kotb made a bold choice — he left Egypt and moved to the United States. It wasn’t easy. Imagine leaving your home, your family, and your language behind to start a new life in a country where everything feels different.
But A.K. was brave. He believed in working hard and building something better for himself and his family. He settled in Washington, D.C., where he began working in the field of energy and petroleum.
Even with all the challenges of a new country, he kept going. He built a strong career and created a loving home. That decision to move changed not just his life, but the lives of his future children too — including Hoda.
A.K. Kotb’s Career as a Fossil Energy Specialist
A.K. Kotb wasn’t just any employee — he was a respected Fossil Energy Specialist. He worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, which is a very important part of the government. His job involved studying and helping manage the country’s energy needs, especially fossil fuels like oil and gas.
He was so good at what he did that his name was published in a special book called “Who’s Who in Technology” (1986, Volume 4). This book lists people who made great contributions in science and technology. Being in that book showed how much people respected him in his field.
Even though his work was highly technical, A.K. always stayed humble. He never showed off — he simply did his best and helped where he could. That quiet strength made him special.
Hoda Kotb’s Father Was a True Family Man
While A.K. Kotb had a strong career, his heart was always with his family. He was married to Sameha Kotb, who many lovingly call Sami. Together, they raised three children: Hoda, Adel, and Hala.
No matter how busy A.K. was, he always made time for his kids. He believed in support, love, and teaching by example. Hoda has said many times that her father was a “sweet man” who taught her to believe in herself and dream big.
He didn’t just say things — he lived them. He showed his children what it means to work hard, treat people kindly, and stay humble.
What Hoda Kotb Learned from Her Father, A.K. Kotb
Hoda often talks about how much her father shaped her. She says she always wanted to hear him say, “Attagirl,” — a simple, proud word that meant everything to her. That dream pushed her to work harder, even after he was gone.
He taught her the value of kindness, courage, and family. These lessons stayed with her through all of life’s ups and downs — even during her battles with breast cancer and big changes in her personal life.
When Hoda became a mother herself, she thought even more about what her father had taught her. The way she raises her daughters today is a reflection of A.K.’s love and wisdom.
A.K. Kotb’s Sudden Death Changed Everything
In 1985, something heartbreaking happened. A.K. Kotb died suddenly from a heart attack. He was only 51 years old.
At the time, Hoda was still in college at Virginia Tech. She was at a sorority event when her brother Adel rushed in and asked to speak with her. At first, she thought he was just being playful — but then he said the words that would change her forever:
“Dad had a heart attack, and he died.”
That moment hit like a wave. Hoda and Adel went to his dorm room, laid on his bed, and listened to James Taylor songs on repeat. It was their way of dealing with the pain.
Losing their father so young left a space that could never be filled. But it also brought the siblings even closer together.
How Hoda Kotb Honors Her Father Today
Even now, in 2026, Hoda keeps her father’s memory alive. On Father’s Day, she often shares old black-and-white photos of A.K. and her mother, sometimes adding simple, powerful messages like:
“Happy Father’s Day, Dad ❤️” or “Here’s to the dads in heaven.”
She tells her daughters about him, reminding them of the love and strength he gave her. For Hoda, these small acts are ways of saying: “I remember you. I still feel you.”
And for those who have lost a parent, her stories are comforting. They remind us that love never really leaves.
The Emotional Bracelet Story That Touched Millions
One of the most touching moments in Hoda Kotb’s life happened in 2018 on the Today show plaza. A woman named Diane stood in the crowd with a sign that said:
“Hoda, ask me about the bracelet.”
Hoda noticed the sign and went over to talk to her. Diane then shared something truly special. She had been A.K. Kotb’s secretary more than 40 years ago. After one of his trips to Egypt, A.K. gave her a silver bracelet as a kind gift.
Now, all those years later, Diane felt it was time to pass it on. She gave the bracelet to Hoda and asked her to one day give it to her daughters. The most amazing part? This happened just one day after A.K. Kotb’s birthday. Hoda was so moved, she cried in her office.
It felt like a small message from her dad — a reminder that he was still close, even after all these years.
A.K. Kotb’s Children Stay Close Because of Him
The love that A.K. Kotb gave his children continues to live in them. Even today, Hoda, Adel, and Hala Kotb remain very close.
A beautiful example of this was when Hoda ran the Boston Marathon. She felt tired and didn’t think she could finish the last six miles. But her brother Adel saw it in her eyes — without a word, he jumped in and ran beside her. He didn’t need to be asked. He just knew.
That’s the kind of bond they share. And it started with how A.K. raised them — to always be there for each other.
Hoda also loves to post about her sister Hala. In one post, she called Hala “the best aunt and an even better sister.” The Kotb siblings laugh, support, and celebrate each other — just the way their father would have wanted.
Hoda Kotb’s Journey as a Mother Inspired by Her Dad
Now that Hoda Kotb is a mom herself, she often thinks about how her father raised her. She wants to give her daughters, Haley and Hope, the same love and strength that A.K. gave her.
After adopting her children, Hoda once received a letter that criticized her for becoming a mom at an older age. The words hurt. But she remembered what her dad taught her — to stand tall, trust her heart, and know her worth.
She often says that the foundation her father gave her was strong enough to carry her through the toughest times. And now, she is passing that strength to her own daughters.
The bracelet from Diane will one day go to Haley. That gift is more than jewelry — it’s a piece of A.K. Kotb’s love that will live on for another generation.
Why A.K. Kotb’s Legacy Still Lives On
Even though A.K. Kotb passed away in 1985, his legacy hasn’t faded. It lives through Hoda’s kind words, her parenting, her posts, and her deep love for her siblings.
He is remembered not just by his family, but also by people like Diane, who worked with him and never forgot how kind he was. That kind of memory is powerful — it means he left a mark on everyone he met.
Every Father’s Day, Hoda shares a picture of her parents. It’s her quiet way of saying, “I remember. I love you. You’re still part of me.”
Final Thoughts
A.K. Kotb, Hoda Kotb’s father, was not just a smart man with a strong career. He was a loving husband, a proud dad, and someone who led by example.
He taught his children to be kind, work hard, and always show up for each other. Those lessons live on today, through Hoda’s voice, her strength, and her smile.
His life may have been short, but his impact was big. A.K. Kotb’s story reminds us that even when someone is gone, their love can stay with us forever.
(FAQs)
How old was A.K. Kotb when he died?
He was 51 years old when he passed away. It happened suddenly and left his family heartbroken.
When was A.K. Kotb born?
He was born on May 29, 1932, in Cairo, Egypt.
Is A.K. Kotb alive today?
No, he died many years ago in 1985 when Hoda Kotb was still in college.
Where did A.K. Kotb live before he died?
He lived in Washington, D.C., where he worked for the U.S. government.
Why do people still remember A.K. Kotb?
Because he was a kind and smart man who raised Hoda with love. His story still inspires many people today.
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