Today wouldn't have been the same without Hoda Kotb, and her final episode on Friday, January 10, was nothing short of memorable. It was a heartfelt farewell, complete with a touching appearance from the one and only Kathie Lee Gifford. The beloved singer-songwriter made a surprise visit to celebrate Hoda's incredible journey on the show.
A Surprise to Remember
Kathie Lee, at 71, looked absolutely stunning in a classic little black dress as she stepped onto the stage to give her dear friend Hoda, 60, a warm embrace. Earlier, Kathie Lee appeared in a video clip saying she was in Nashville and couldn't make it to the celebration. But guess what? It was all part of a clever plan to surprise Hoda.
Hoda was overwhelmed with joy when her former Today cohost walked out on stage. “I love you so much that I was thinking to myself, ‘I sure hope Kath comes,’” Hoda confessed, her excitement impossible to hide after the big reveal.
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A Look Back at Their Time Together
Hoda and Kathie Lee shared a special bond during their years together on the show, from 2008 to 2019. When Kathie Lee stepped down in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager, now 43, stepped into her shoes, taking over as cohost for the show’s fourth hour. Their partnership was unforgettable, and Kathie Lee took a moment to express her gratitude to Hoda for helping her grow into the TV host she is today.
“You took away fear,” Kathie Lee said, her voice filled with emotion. “You proved to me that you are a fearless person.”
A Toast to Hoda
The celebration continued as Hoda, Kathie Lee, and Jenna raised their glasses of wine in a joyful toast. It was a fitting way to honor Hoda’s last day on the show. Kathie Lee, ever the thoughtful friend, delivered a heartfelt prayer, reading a Bible verse from Jeremiah. “I’m sending you off with a prayer,” she said. “May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life.”
Even though Kathie Lee left Today over five years ago, she's remained one of Hoda’s closest friends and a steadfast supporter. When Hoda first announced her departure from the show in September 2024, Kathie Lee took to social media to share some warm words for her pal.
“Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” she wrote. “Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures!”
Now, Jenna is ready to take the fourth hour of Today in a fresh direction. The segment will be renamed Today With Jenna & Friends, featuring a lineup of celebrity guest cohosts each week. The first week will include powerhouse names like Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria.
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In the second week of the new format, Scarlett Johansson will step in as a guest cohost. “Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. The Girl with a Pearl Earring, that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read,” Jenna told People in an interview on January 7. “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”
“This is a wild dream. The fact that she’s coming to give us a week of her time, she could be doing anything, is a testament to the show that we’ve built. I’m beyond thrilled. I cannot wait,” Jenna added with excitement. “We’ve never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!”
