Let me tell you a story about friendship, surprise, and heartfelt moments. Hoda Kotb, the beloved Today alum, went above and beyond to support her dear friend Savannah Guthrie. Her surprise appearance at Savannah's recent book signing was nothing short of magical, and the whole interaction was captured on camera for all to see.
A Heartfelt Moment Between Two Broadcast Legends
Hoda Kotb, who recently turned 60, decided to make an appearance at Savannah’s book signing for her new children’s book, Mostly What God Does is Love You. The event took place in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on a crisp Tuesday, February 25. Hoda, ever the playful one, held a book over her face as she waited with bated breath for Savannah to enter the room. It was as if she was building suspense for the big reveal.
Now, picture this: Savannah Guthrie, 53, walks down the stairs and into the room, greeted by a wave of applause. Before she could even take her seat at the signing table, Hoda lets out a spirited, "Can I be first?" Then, like a whirlwind of joy, she runs up to the table to greet Savannah, leaving her audibly shocked and speechless.
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Their Emotional Reunion
The two NBC colleagues embraced in a warm hug, and the crowd couldn't help but cheer for the heartwarming reunion. Hoda told Savannah, with genuine affection, that she drove all the way from her home in the suburbs to come and see her. Savannah, overwhelmed by the gesture, simply couldn't believe it. "I love you," Hoda said, and Savannah responded with a kiss on the cheek and another hug.
Hoda then shared her thoughts on Savannah's character, saying, "Let me tell you what this girl has done ever since I’ve known her, she shows up for people." Savannah, emotional and touched, replied, "So do you." Hoda's response was simple yet profound: "So I’m showing up for you." It was a moment that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Hoda Shares the Moment on Social Media
Hoda didn't let this special moment go unnoticed. She posted the interaction on Instagram, captioning it, "The secret plot to surprise @savannahguthrie at her book signing event in Ridgewood, New Jersey…. Swipe xo." Her followers were quick to react, with one person commenting, "I love this so much!!! You showed up and that’s what life is about." Another expressed, "I miss seeing the two of you together every day," while another simply said, "What amazing friends are you guys."
Savannah, too, couldn't resist sharing the joyous moment. She posted several photos of their hug with a heartfelt caption: "Happiness is… your friend surprising — no, SHOCKING you — by showing up at your book event. @hodakotb there is just no one like you. my biggest cheerleader from beginning to end." The following day, during a Today broadcast, Savannah reflected on the book signing and Hoda’s surprise visit. "I thought I was hallucinating. It made me feel so good," she remarked, adding, "It was just amazing. It’s so, so sweet and so, so her."
Hoda's New Chapter
Hoda left the Today show in January to focus on her family life in the suburbs with her daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Savannah opened up about Hoda's departure and the transition with Craig Melvin taking over as the early morning coanchor. "I’m heartbroken. But I’m also thrilled for her and proud of her. That is so gutsy to leave something you love at the height of your excellence and say, ‘I’m dreaming this bigger dream for myself,’” Savannah explained. “She was like, ‘I turned 60 and sure, I could do this wonderful thing with one hand tied behind my back for another 10 years,’ but she said, ‘I’m going to take a risk.’ Lucky [for] us that the perfect person was right there waiting in the wings. [Craig] has stepped into the role seamlessly.”
