‘Making Space With Hoda Kotb’: Author Suleika Jaouad With Jon Batiste

At 22, Suleika Jaouad was given a 1-in-3 chance to live after a cancer diagnosis. Today, she's celebrating seven years cancer-free. Here, Jaouad shares what it was like to stare down death. Plus, her partner, musician Jon Batiste, joins the interview.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/Su...
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/Re...
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/Li...
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/Fo...
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/In...

[@lfgarza]

Keep the faith, Suleika. I have a friend who was diagnosed with leukemia at 21. He had a bone marrow transplant and after taking many precautions with the help of his loving wife, he is alive and well today at 75 years of age. I wish you many happy, healthy years to look forward to with Jon.!

[@bonnieikamas1201]

With the positivity that these two beautiful people possess and share, I can only see happiness and absolute love!!! Congratulations ❤️🙏🌹🌻

[@makloch]

What a couple! This is authentic love and friendship. This interview made me tearful!

[@leticiachiok8057]

Suleika is a brave soul...she continues to fight this dreadful disease and lives her journey to the fullest. May God bless her and keep her.🙏❤️

[@marycomegys5136]

God Bless you of you.

[@joannabuchanico6895]

I highly recommend her book. I had a friend getting intense cancer treatment at the time I read it, which made parts of the book hard to handle. But it gave me insight on the physical and mental toll cancer treatment has not just on the patient, but their loved ones. It helped guide me in my friend’s battle. She and Jon are true forces of nature, and I’m glad they found each other.

[@Vickiak03]

I am currently reading her book and completely agree. I have been blown away by her writing style and candid insight into her journey. We need more people like Suleika and Jon in our world.

[@kathygrega8528]

Assassins Aaron

[@barbarabonaparte7962]

Such a lovely love story ❤!

[@candicane1]

Gosh, this sounds so much like my mother’s story. 10+ doctors later, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Thank the Lord she’s in remission and had a successful bone marrow transplant. Thank you for sharing your story!! Please everyone, be an advocate for yourself!

[@dorenemadrzykowski8426]

This woman is incredible.

[@sheilamerritt8654]

She is a beautiful soul🙏💞🙏He is a beautiful soul💞🙏💞Enlightened

[@mariekastler5391]

So Happy that Each of these Wonderful People has found the other❣️❣️❣️

[@yolakin8210]

Lovely souls. Thank you. Wishing you health and happiness💫

[@mommasitayoung148]

Beautiful story. ♥️ Suleka J and Jon Batiste…

[@natpei7427]

I just don't have the words to express how lucky I feel to have found these two...there is hope in the world

[@tamoshanter6268]

Much love to the both of them. Love this interview.

[@sharonlujan9497]

what a beautiful story.. You are very lucky to have found each other.

[@evelyntan5588]

What a pleasant surprise that one of my favourite musicians is the partner of the author of an engrossing book I read last year!

[@jgrandison6022]

You are both gifted and amazing. This is such a reset for me. Thank You.

[@JH-bx5uc]

Two amazing people!

[@teresawestwood4027]

What a beautiful relationship!

[@JenniferM-i5s]

Jon Batiste is as kind and beautiful a soul as his eyes❤❤❤❤

[@catjohnson007]

Beautiful people -- all three of them! Amazing examples of commitment!

[@deborahmccarthy8000]

🖐️Suleika, I Enjoyed Your Book So much! It was Very Inspirational and Healing 🙏🕊️🌹 You and Your Beloved Jon Are Truly Angels 😇 On Earth, HEAVENLY 🙌🌟✨

[@maureenwagg5305]

Jon Batiste is a rare breed of human being. He's an angel on earth. Even if you have never ever believed in God or angels. He is an angel. The real deal.

[@sullivx]

YES IT IS TRUE. HE IS AN ANGEL

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Thank you for this, amazingly beautiful, genuine, uplifting, positive, deeply human experience, inhabited by conscious, aware, and deeply creative human beings, who exemplify the best in humanity! Hoda, the gentleness, authenticity, and power of your life experience really comes through in this interview, as well as, the tremendous, genuine love shared by Suleika and Jon. WOW! Made my day!

[@8088I]

Jon Batiste "iss" the Mayor of Whoville! If not, then I Nominate him. He's such a profoundly good, joyful, spirited and soulful person, I'm sure he'd make Dr. Seuss proud!

[@ElizaBeth-ve6nz]

You are both a family. Children are additions.

[@syckindahead]

🎯

[@mirandaandrea8215]

What a wonderful woman !❤

[@wairarapawomenscentre96]

I love you guys :) you are amazing and strong

[@maurawhelan3530]

She’s so strong…

[@bthechurch7877]

This is so rich! Thank you

[@SantosChavez-cd4gp]

Great story of love, by her man

[@deborahmclean6622]

She is one of the most fascinating humans I've ever heard.

[@paulettejackson2272]

❤❤ THANKS FOR SHARING , INSPIRING

[@annika5763]

Wonderful couple

[@sharonlujan9497]

my current x passed away a week ago sunday, An an currently dealing w the loss of him!!

[@sullivx]

I L ❤ V E JON & SULEIKA

[@lulagardner8038]

🌹

[@lillianwilliams5510]

We couldn't hear her.

[@kymberlybade1480]

How did you afford all the medical care? WHY is that aspect never spoken about? That is the pivotal point between life and death.

[@sharonlujan9497]

some are making fun of me on the east coast for lying about it that I was married to a real calf roper,

[@clairebear1808]

😭🙏❤️🦋🇺🇸🇺🇦👼

[@xiomanaxoxoxo3212]

Natural hair Hoda please please stop straightening it !

[@syckindahead]

😂

[@sharonlujan9497]

my x fiance hates her, an still loves me. I pnly see them when I go to church. It is hard. He was a heavy drinker,

[@dorothymasombwe4788]

And they got married. May God continue to bless this young lady with good health and a happy long marriage ❤️ Jon is a gem

[@claudiajoyner2486]

What a wonderful relationship and marvelous interview between Suleika and Jon. No wonder why they were drawn to each other: she expresses herself thru writing words while he expresses himself thru writing music and they both value each other's creativity and feelings. Such joy and love comes through their words.

[@senikau78]

So we’ll said!

[@VMo-mm1fz]

What a beautiful thing for them to find each other in the world.

[@crchekouras]

Congratulations Suleika and Jon on your Wedding.

[@lenadahling]

This, right here, is a real man. ❤️

[@candygardner4440]

Yesssssssss!!!!!!

[@melatek5337]

Ah, can't wait to hear she is Cancer free. Oh, if there is one person I want God to heal, it is her. May God speed up the healing

[@christinasantini8020]

These two, separately and together, are the most beautiful souls. Their spirit, faith and love for each other, as well as all the other human beings wandering the earth, is a force of nature. May they be together for many years and have all of God's blessings spilled upon them!

[@gloriagomez2327]

What a beautiful couple ! They’re beautiful people independent of each other, but together, there is chemistry, without a doubt !

[@georgiaj5301]

I pray for this UNCONDITIONAL love from a wonderful man.

[@LithaMoonSong]

She is an amazing woman, so glad to hear she and my fave artiste Jon Baptiste are now married. congrats.

[@kathe.o.]

"Show people you love them --- it is all about love."

[@juliebridges7486]

I cried watching this. It's just so refreshing to hear such deep love and respect between these two. I admire their bravery, I admire their honesty. Sending healing prayers into the universe for you. We need more beautiful people! Julie, Australia

[@karenmcneil2114]

I have watched this repeatedly. What a beautiful Blessing. God makes no mistake. God keep you both strong and may your love enlighten the WORLD 🌎

[@donnabradshaw5200]

The more I see Mr. Batiste the more I like him. All I knew of him before, was his entrance to the Late Night Show. But hearing and seeing the real him the more I like him. He and his beautiful wife deserve all the happiness in the world. Bless you both.

[@frankpaquet295]

I love these two and I had no idea how wonderful John Batiste is as a person; what an incredible guy and he loves her and she loves him; I hope their lives continue long after the medical problems. Blessings to you both. (from Sandi)

[@gardenlove2782]

Such a rare and beautiful interview. Two brilliant people and loving couple, I wish them all the best.

[@shannonblack4136]

Suleika - you have a beautiful, soothing voice. I can hear you on NPR or Audio books in my brain

[@susanfisher336]

Absolutely beautiful souls😇

[@jayeking6575]

Hold on to your faith- Congrats to you & Jon Baptiste 🙏🏾❤️you guys having something very special much love 🌹

[@Bia08121975]

What a beautiful couple. 2 beautiful souls.

[@ritajohnson5594]

Great interview and love their approach on life true respect for them both.

[@derykdavid2849]

Inspiring, gifted, loving, citizens of the world! It is in Gods plan that they met and are married!

[@hokieduck]

There is a calm that pervades listening to and watching both Suleika Jaouad individually and Jon Batiste individually and it deepens, if that is possible, when they come together. I hope, almost in a way that should be relegated to one's own personal people, that this lovely woman and this lovely man sustain life and love for a long, beautiful, glorious time. My brightest light reaches out to you both.

[@Anne--Marie]

That is really beautiful.

[@leora_in_london]

Wow, this interview moved me to tears at multiple points

[@sheilawalsh4104]

What an amazing love story. I wish you eternal happiness and joy. May God bless your love for each other.

[@paulabear101]

What a heartfelt conversation- I learned something important about life from you all. Blessings 💖💕

[@bagobo2]

Heartwarming thoughts from two lovely people.

[@pamelawarwick6005]

I just finished her book today. Beautifully written. Definitely one of my favorite books I've ever read & I read a lot!

[@heathermetz6576]

Love the love letters that they committed to writing to each other while they were away from each other. Such a beautiful story of how to live with whatever life throws at you. They are the embodiment of survive and thrive.

[@vegangirll]

What a beautiful story Suleika and Jon have. They are each such amazing young people, and I wish them a wonderful and healthy life together.

[@COBYKOEHL2]

JON BAPTIST IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING.

[@1969madame]

*Batiste

[@AG-ye6pv]

This was SO truly beautiful.

[@CaraChartrand]

The way she's looking and smiling at him ❤️ I freaken love their story

[@1969madame]

@Cara Chartrand I noticed that too. Can't really blame her. I've been staring and smiling at him (on my laptop, tablet, and phone) for months. LOL ❤ I think he is absolutely adorable. He's my new "crush." 😍

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Two beautiful souls🙏

[@setapartt]

When I see these two I know there is hope for humanity

[@jewelpoole9191]

A beautiful couple, love will find you when it matters. They have the hardest conversations in an honest and open way. Love that. God bless them.

[@sheilawalsh4104]

This is a gorgeous couple, inside and out. Even their voices are angelical! I ❤ them!!!

[@ruthoabraham]

Love them both! I wish you both a long, blessed life together ❤️ 🙏

[@jgrandison6022]

You are such an amazing woman and communicator. Very powerful and profound. Praying God keeps you in His loving care and perfect peace.

[@belenaguilar1348]

They are both so kind and self aware and deep thinkers. I pray for both of their health and love. Beautiful couple

[@mariahthomas1584]

This is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing ❤️🙏🏾 I needed this

[@berryblulight]

I read her book a while ago but I had no idea this was the Jon she talked about in the book. I loved the book and what a wonderful partner she has. Beautiful

[@mysisterisafoodie]

Apparently it wasn’t Jon. It was her ex.

[@1969madame]

@My SisterIsAFoodie Did you read her book? Will is her ex, and she talks about him extensively in part one. In the second part of the book, she talks about having met Jon at band camp when they were teenagers; reconnecting with him after the breakup with Will; and the development of their relationship amidst her struggle to adjust to life after cancer. Of course, I don't know them, but I love this very special couple.

[@xiomanaxoxoxo3212]

Chemo is no joke , she’s young she was lucky if she was older it would have killed her. Live that she wrote a book about her experience i think it’s important for us to share our experiences so we learn from one another

[@nancysmith3400]

Beautiful people beautiful love story, so inspiring, thank you for sharing it with us all.

[@candygardner4440]

I swear Jon Batiste is an angel. And I am thankful that Suleika is blessed to have him. May the Lord bless & prosper each one of them as well as their marriage 💑 We need to be continually in prayer for both of them.🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@cindyjanssen6965]

What an AWESOMELY AMAZING couple ! God has blessed this union -- OH SO VERY BLESSED!!

[@heathermetz6576]

21:32 "You gotta show 'em. You gotta show people you love them. I urge everybody out there. Show the person in your life, who you haven't told, you haven't shown your love, show 'em." What a wonderful love story they have sharing with the world.

[@teresabarreiro6031]

Love, Love this couple. I have the book

[@yanaeccles4088]

What an amazing couple.❤️🙏🏾

[@imianco8079]

this was so great to see thank you & be well!!

[@eddiemoser3623]

That's what love does. Beautiful!!

[@patriciaredick9849]

Such beautiful love.

[@shannonblack4136]

Suleika and Jon - y’all are perfect!!!

[@tanyataylor5077]

Amazing people 🎉

[@oliviajordan9611]

She is beautiful! She can never go back to the life she lived before her cancer. She is not the same person. Blessings of God be with her.

[@monowarabegum2954]

Watched "American Symphony" last week. 😢❤👌 Followed by Suleika's Ted Talk and now this!! All I can say is that God had a plan in place 🙏 Two of the most beautiful souls beating as one. Stay blessed 🙌 😇 💖 Next step - read her book.

[@gravitrek]

glad to have seen this. i wish them all that is well AND more happiness

[@veltzon4322]

Praying for you God bless