Many people know Hoda Kotb as a famous TV host on the “Today” show. But not many people know about her first husband, Burzis Kanga. He was married to Hoda before she became a big star on NBC. In this article, we will look at who Burzis Kanga is, how he met Hoda, and what happened to their marriage.
Quick Bio : Burzis Kanga
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Burzis Kanga |
| Known For | Ex-husband of Hoda Kotb |
| Job | Former tennis coach |
| Workplace | University of New Orleans |
| Ethnicity | Egyptian-Tanzanian |
| Hometown | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Met Hoda | Valentine’s Day, 1994 |
| Married | December 2005, Punta Cana |
| Divorced | 2008 |
| Marriage Length | About 3 years |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million |
| Social Media | Not active on any platform |
Who Is Burzis Kanga?
Burzis Kanga is a former tennis coach. For many years, he worked as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at the University of New Orleans. He also worked as a tennis pro at Chateau Estates Country Club. Burzis has Egyptian and Tanzanian roots, and he grew up in New Orleans. Before he met Hoda, he had already spent about 26 years living in that city, so he felt very connected to it.
Unlike his famous ex-wife, Burzis has stayed away from the public eye. He does not use Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. This is one reason there is not much information about his life after the divorce. He seems to prefer a quiet, private life away from cameras and headlines.
How Did Burzis Kanga Meet Hoda Kotb?
Burzis and Hoda met in New Orleans on Valentine’s Day in 1994. They were both at a fundraiser event for the American Heart Association. At that time, Hoda was working as a local news anchor in the city. The two started dating, but their relationship was not always steady. They dated on and off for several years.
Things changed when Hoda got a new job with Dateline NBC and moved to New York City. Even with the distance, Burzis and Hoda stayed in touch and kept their relationship going. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and destroyed Burzis’s home. After this disaster, he decided to move to New York to be closer to Hoda.
The Marriage and Wedding
In May 2005, Burzis proposed to Hoda. Later that year, in December 2005, they got married. The wedding took place in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. Hoda has described the wedding as a fun and relaxing event. She once said it felt like a vacation with a wedding included.
In interviews, Hoda spoke happily about her early married life. She said she enjoyed it so much that she wished she had gotten married sooner. The couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary in the Pocono Mountains. At that time, everything seemed to be going well for them.
Why Did They Get Divorced?
Sadly, the marriage did not last long. In February 2007, Hoda filed for divorce. This was a very hard time for both of them. That same month, Hoda was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the same time, Burzis’s father was seriously ill. Both people in the marriage were dealing with painful personal problems.
Burzis later spoke about this difficult period in an interview. He said they both had personal reasons for the split, and it happened during a hard time in their lives. He also admitted that some mistakes on his part came from a lack of maturity. He said it was sad that the marriage did not last longer.
Even after the divorce was finalized in 2008, Burzis did not speak badly about Hoda. Instead, he said kind things about her. He described her as classy and said he would always treasure the good memories they shared together.
Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Burzis and Hoda went their separate ways. Hoda’s career kept growing, and she became one of the most recognized faces on American television. She later dated financier Joel Schiffman. The couple was together for many years and adopted two daughters, named Haley and Hope. They got engaged in 2019, but they later called off the engagement in January 2022.
As for Burzis, he moved away from public attention. Some reports say he returned to New Orleans and went back to coaching tennis. There is no confirmed information about whether he has remarried or started a new relationship. He has chosen to keep his personal life private, and that has not changed over the years.
Final Thoughts
Burzis Kanga may not be famous like his ex-wife, but his story is still an interesting part of Hoda Kotb’s life. Their short marriage had happy moments, hard struggles, and a respectful ending. Even years later, Burzis has spoken about Hoda with kindness, showing that not every celebrity divorce has to end with bitterness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Burzis Kanga?
Burzis Kanga is a former tennis coach who was married to TV host Hoda Kotb from 2005 to 2008.
How did Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb meet?
They met at a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the American Heart Association in New Orleans in 1994.
Why did Burzis Kanga and Hoda Kotb divorce?
They divorced in 2008 due to personal struggles, including Hoda’s breast cancer diagnosis and illness in Burzis’s family.
What does Burzis Kanga do for a living?
He worked as a tennis coach at the University of New Orleans and later as a tennis pro at a country club.
Is Burzis Kanga active on social media?
No, Burzis Kanga does not use Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and he keeps his life very private.
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