Hoda Kotb recently experienced one of the most unforgettable moments of her life when Sandra Bullock made a surprise birthday appearance via video. The heartfelt gesture brought the Today show star to tears as Sandra delivered an emotional and candid message filled with love and admiration.
A Special Birthday Message
“Hoda, Hoda Hoda, Hoda. I had so many brilliant and funny things prepared for you for this message that were just gonna slay, but you know, girl, I’m just too tired,” Sandra, now 60, said in the video message shown during a Monday, August 12, episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. Sandra’s words, though humorous at first, carried a deep sense of connection and friendship that resonated with viewers.
Sandra’s Rare Public Appearance
This marked a rare public appearance for Sandra, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the passing of her partner, Bryan Randall, in August 2023. Sandra explained her weariness not as a sign of fatigue but as a testament to her dedication to preparing the perfect message for her dear friend. “I’m tired because I had to make my way up that mountain before you got there so I could check out the terrain and see what things look like and, you know, just get the feel so I could fill you in,” she added. Sandra went on to assure Hoda that the journey ahead was not one to fear but rather something to embrace with excitement. “And it’s weird because people seem to want us to be afraid of what it might look like when we get there. It turns out, it’s pretty damn great. It’s pretty awesome.”
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Unsuitable Content and the Message’s Impact
Parts of Sandra’s message were bleeped out, likely due to content unsuitable for television. Regardless, the essence of her words left a lasting impression on Hoda, evident by the laughter and joy they evoked. Sandra expressed gratitude for Hoda’s incredible nature, acknowledging her kindness and resilience. “Everything is amazing because you have made it that way,” Sandra continued. “Thank you for being so incredible to so many people. What you do for a living and how you have to shapeshift every single day, how you navigate your kindness, even when that’s not what’s coming your way, how you are to those you care about and how you keep them safe, and just who you are as a human being. We’re all pretty lucky to have you, especially your kids.”
Her heartfelt words culminated in a sweet birthday wish. “So, happy birthday my sweet friend. Thank you for allowing me to be in your circle. I feel very grateful. And I have your bar set up, up here, so we can look at the view. It’s pretty beautiful, but I need you up here. Happy birthday!” Sandra concluded, leaving Hoda visibly moved.
The message meant the world to Hoda, who has long regarded Sandra as one of her biggest influences. Inspired by Sandra's journey of adopting children Louis and Laila, Hoda decided to adopt her own daughters, Haley and Hope, with her former fiancé Joel Schiffman. “I’ve admired her, and she so shaped the pathway of my life,” Hoda shared during an interview with TODAY.com on July 9. “I feel like I adopted my kids because I saw that it was possible through her at our same age, and I realized, ‘Wow, it can be done.’”
Sandra privately mourned the loss of Bryan Randall, who courageously battled ALS for three years, with her children by her side. An insider revealed Sandra's deep sorrow following Bryan’s passing, noting her devastation. Yet, Bryan’s final wish was for Sandra to find love again, ensuring she would be cared for and cherished. “He wanted to leave this world knowing she’d be loved and looked after by a good man,” the source shared.
