The iconic reunion of Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb at NBC’s 30 Rock studio on Friday was a moment to remember. Fans were treated to a surprise “Hoda-bration” celebration during the first two hours of the Today show, which brought Gifford, Kotb's former co-host, back to the morning show. This reunion was all about the special bond between these two beloved personalities, and it was packed with emotional moments that had everyone in the studio—and likely the viewers at home—feeling all the feels.
Kathie Lee Gifford made a grand return during the show with a video tribute that left no dry eyes in the house. As Kotb listened intently, Gifford, who was tuning in from Tennessee, shared heartfelt words, reminding Hoda of just how cherished she is by everyone. "You are so beloved," Gifford told Kotb, "I hope you're feeling that from everybody." Her love for Kotb was palpable, and though she couldn’t be there in person, Gifford’s message came through loud and clear. She expressed her regret for not being able to join the live celebration but teased viewers with a little surprise—by pulling off an unexpected bait-and-switch that had Kotb’s current co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, completely thrown off guard.
Kathie Lee left Kathie Lee & Hoda in April 2019, after a memorable tenure that fans still remember fondly. Her departure made way for Jenna Bush Hager to take her place, and though Hager quickly became a fixture alongside Kotb, Gifford’s absence left a noticeable hole. The transition was a big moment, but on Friday, it was all about revisiting the special memories of their time together.
In her tribute, Gifford recalled how she fell in love with Hoda during their time on the show. "I fell in love with Hoda," Gifford said, calling her former co-anchor “sunshine in a bottle." The love was mutual, and Kotb’s eyes welled up as Gifford continued to pour her heart out. The heartfelt emotions between the two were evident, but Gifford wasn’t finished. As a final gesture, she offered a prayer for Kotb’s future. Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for arrived—a toast. Gifford and Hager raised their glasses of wine in a celebration of all the amazing things to come, marking this reunion as one of the most poignant moments in Today show history.
The entire episode was filled with such emotion, and it wasn’t just the video tribute that had people teary-eyed. The real turning point was when Kotb took the time to address the live studio audience and viewers at home. In her final moments during the first two hours of the show, she shared a message that she had written herself—a "love letter" to all the viewers who had supported her through the years. She clarified that this wasn’t a farewell but a heartfelt note of gratitude. As she read the letter aloud, she expressed her deep appreciation for the journey she’s had with NBC and how much the viewers have meant to her. It was a raw and powerful moment that captured the essence of who Kotb is: real, authentic, and deeply connected with her audience.
Reflecting on her time at Dateline as a correspondent, Kotb spoke about how it felt to evolve into the person she is today. She recalled how she used to wear what she called a "news corset" during her earlier days as a hard-hitting journalist. But now, she said, she had finally "ripped it off" and embraced who she truly is on screen. This transition marked not just a change in her career but also a deep personal transformation. She thanked her loyal viewers for allowing her to go on this incredible journey and embrace her authentic self. It wasn’t just a goodbye to a chapter of her life—it was a tribute to the entire ride, a ride that she described as nothing short of "the ride of a lifetime."
Kotb’s deep connection with her fans has been a key element of her success throughout her long career with NBC. She has been a fixture on Today for years and has become one of the most beloved personalities in daytime TV. Her departure from the morning show on January 10 wasn’t just an end to a chapter—it was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and love for her audience. But even as she says goodbye, Kotb is quick to remind everyone that this is only the start of something new. “Endings can be hard and they can be so beautiful because it’s the start of something new,” said Hager, her voice thick with emotion. Both women were clearly struggling to hold back tears, but their words were a testament to the incredible bond they’ve shared over the years.
The emotional sendoff wasn’t just limited to Kotb’s farewell, however. The Today show also made a major announcement during this segment. Craig Melvin, who had been part of Today’s Third Hour, was tapped to replace Kotb as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. Melvin expressed his excitement for the new opportunity, saying, "I'm beyond excited and grateful." It was a full-circle moment for him, and he thanked NBC and the team for believing in him. "I have enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings," Melvin said, looking forward to the next chapter in his career.
For fans, this sendoff was nothing short of a celebration. It wasn’t just about the goodbye; it was about the legacy Kotb has built with NBC, and the profound impact she has had on both her colleagues and her audience. As Today transitions to its new lineup, it’s clear that the bond between Kotb, Gifford, and the Today family will always remain a cherished part of the show's history.
Through the tears, laughter, and heartfelt moments, the Today show proved once again that it’s not just a morning news program—it’s a community. Hoda Kotb’s farewell was a testament to the deep relationships that form in the world of television and the lasting impact those connections have on viewers. From her heartfelt messages to the surprising reunion with Kathie Lee Gifford, this farewell was a true celebration of a remarkable career. And as the Today show enters its next chapter, one thing is for sure: Hoda Kotb’s legacy will continue to shine brightly.
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