Hoda Kotb’s Surprising Reaction to Fans Suggesting She Date Kevin Costner

TV host Hoda Kotb recently provided an entertaining response to viewers who are rooting for her to date actor Kevin Costner. During a Tuesday appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Kotb addressed a fan’s question about a possible romantic connection between her and the Oscar-winning actor.

The fan asked Kotb, who co-anchors “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” about the buzz regarding her and Costner following his appearance on “Today” last month. “How do you feel about viewers ‘shipping you and Kevin Costner, and have the two of you connected since?” asked the curious fan.

Appearing somewhat surprised, Kotb admitted she was unaware that people were considering the possibility of her dating Costner. However, she didn’t dismiss the idea entirely. “Well, if the viewers want it,” she said, laughing.

Host Andy Cohen then inquired if Kotb was open to meeting someone through a dating app. Kotb seemed lukewarm to the concept, saying she would prefer a more personal introduction. “I think I’d like for someone to say, ‘I know this person,'” she explained. “That would make me feel better.”

Costner, who split from his wife of 19 years, Christine Baumgartner, last year, has faced various dating rumors. In June, he denied speculations linking him romantically with singer Jewel. On “The Howard Stern Show,” he clarified that they had “never gone out, ever.”

The discussion continued on “Today” the following Wednesday, with co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager bringing up Kotb’s “WWHL” appearance. Bush Hager shared that strangers had also expressed their hopes for Kotb and Costner to date. “I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize they were flirting behind my back,'” Bush Hager joked, before showing a video montage of Kotb and Costner’s interactions during their June interview.

Kotb didn’t reveal much about her interest in dating Costner, but she did share a quirky tidbit she learned about him. People close to the actor told her that he enjoys eating “baked beans out of the can.” “I liked that he wasn’t fancy,” she said. “I thought that was really cool.”