Kathie Lee Gifford Surprises Hoda Kotb During Her Final Today Show

One last toast for Hoda Kotb.

Appropriately, her ex-cohost, Kathie Lee Gifford, was the one to make the unexpected visit in tribute to the longtime anchor’s last day on January 10th for the Today show. Previously known as the hosts of “Kathie Lee & Hoda,” she surprised everyone with her appearance.

Following a heartwarming morning brimming with unique messages and delightful surprises from Jimmy Fallon, Kermit the Frog, and Simone Biles, in recognition of Hoda’s last day at the Today Show, it was impossible to overlook one particular individual who deserved equal attention.

Initially, Kathie Lee reached out through a video call from Nashville, offering encouragement to her dear friend. Yet, within moments, she surprised everyone by showing up live in the studio, welcoming her ex-cohost with an embrace.

Overflowing with delight, Hoda exclaimed, “I found myself pondering, ‘Oh, I truly hope Kath will be here, for my affection towards her runs deep.’ And it brings me immense joy to see that you are indeed present.

Kathie charmed Hoda with an impromptu rendition of “The Best is Yet to Come,” reminiscing about the time they formed a team in 2008, following Kathie Lee’s long-term partnership on daytime television with Regis Philbin.

Kathie Lee stated that she had no desire to return to daytime TV following a 15-year absence, feeling that nothing could surpass her previous experience with ‘the king.’

After sharing a meal, Kathie Lee confided that it was then when she realized she was an ideal fit for Hoda.

She confessed that she had fallen in love with Hoda during our lunch at the Rainbow Room, she added. The two of them ended up closing down the Rainbow Room instead.

Initially, Kathie Lee agreed to work on the fourth hour segment for a period of one year. However, the strong friendship she developed with her cohost made her want to stay longer.

She admitted, “The challenge I face is that I easily fall in love, and it happened with Hoda. When I declared, ‘I don’t want to let her go,’ one similarity between us, shared with Regis – two distinct individuals, was the joy I felt each day, eagerly anticipating spending time with both of you.

She’s like a ray of sunshine trapped in a container, especially given how gloomy our current world is. “You eliminated fear,” she went on. “By doing so, you demonstrated your bravery to me. You possess this quality because she didn’t exhibit the courage she does today at first. Initially, she was a globally recognized journalist, but she didn’t trust her instincts when it came to performing, and that approach wouldn’t have worked with me.

After spending many years reporting on current global events, Hoda confessed that she felt “nervous” about taking on a new position. For quite some time, Kathie Lee and Hoda shared a spot, sipping wine together, until Kathie Lee departed in 2019 (her role was taken over by Jenna Bush Hager).

As I bid my dear friend farewell, I couldn’t help but raise one last cheer, offer a heartfelt prayer, and, of course, pour a generous glass of our favorite vintage wine.

Kathie Lee expressed her heartfelt feelings as she wished Hoda to enter the happiest, wealthiest, and most meaningful phase of her life with her beloved daughters Haley (7) and Hope (4). Through tears, she shared how their presence was a true blessing. She also conveyed that once they arrived, she knew the time for Hoda to be here with us was limited.

Hoda bid farewell, alongside her colleagues Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and Jenna, on January 10th. This esteemed TV anchor, who has been a valued member of the network for more than two decades, delivered an emotional goodbye to her television family.

Hoda expressed her gratitude as she wrapped up the 8 a.m. segment for the last time, saying, ‘I’d like to thank each one of you who showed up today.’ She mentioned receiving your cards, bracelets, and crocheted scarves, among other things. From the depths of my heart, I want to express my sincere appreciation,” she said.

Keep reading for more on Hoda’s life outside of the Today plaza…

Following her announcement that she’s departing from Today, Hoda enjoyed her initial Halloween in the New York suburbs alongside her children.

Haley and Hope match in cheerleader costumes.

Hoda got emotional as Haley and Hope surprised her with an early Mother’s Day gift.

With her siblings Hala and Adel, along with nieces Hannah and Ella, mother Sami, daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, and fiancé Joel Schiffman by her side, Hoda Kotb referred to the occasion as “my kind of birthday celebration.

Hoda enjoys a day with her daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine around New York City together.

This Halloween has come and gone once more! Hoda and her eldest child enjoyed celebrating it together, donning their Sesame Street personas.

On Halloween 2019, the hostess of Today took some adorable photos with her mother and Haley’s grandmother.

The host shared this pic of her and her little one at a Sesame Street party in Oct. 2019.

The daytime talk show host spends a day splashing around the beach in Aug. 2019.

Haley Joy looks cute as a button celebrating her mom’s 55th birthday this past August.

In May 2019, Kotb shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, “It’s amazing to see who is nourishing Hope!”, referring to Haley feeding their newborn baby Hope.

Kathie Lee Gifford, a longstanding friend and previous co-host with Hoda on the Today show, had the pleasure of meeting Hope in early May. The entire day was filled with radiant smiles from both parties.

In April, the 55-year-old host posted a picture of her entire family on Instagram for the very first time, captioning it with “Here we are, hugs and kisses (xo).

Hoda unveiled Hope as her new daughter, who was previously kept secret, to her ‘Today’ show colleagues in a surprise announcement.

On Valentine’s Day, the TV host marked Haley’s second birthday and expressed her feelings on Instagram by saying, “I’m overflowing with love today.

The beaming TV personality spent Christmas with her mother, sister and daughter.

Haley celebrated her second Halloween by twinning with her mom in matching bee costumes.

In August of 2018, the mother-daughter duo spent an autumn day together picking apples.

“I can’t believe I get to do this .. #grateful” she wrote on her 54th birthday.

Today, co-anchor Hoda was captured smiling alongside her adorable one-year-old, Haley. She donned a sweet t-shirt that read “mama” in celebration of Mother’s Day.

Early-morning photo sessions in bed on Mother’s Day were fantastic,” the joyful mom expressed, capturing the moment in an adorable Instagram selfie.

In March of 2018, the native of Oklahoma marked partner Joel Schiffman’s 60th birthday by celebrating together with their daughter and a home-baked cake.

After an exhilarating fortnight reporting from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, I’m thrilled to be heading home! #BackToBase

On the eve of her journey to Pyeongchang for the 2018 Winter Olympics, the television personality enjoyed some playtime with her darling and her U.S. knit cap.

On that chilly day of January 14th, Hoda and her enthusiastic young supporter raised their voices to cheer for the New Orleans Saints as they faced off against the Minnesota Vikings!

On this joyous Christmas day, the journalist exclaimed, “We’re all set!”, as she captured a heartwarming selfie with her mother, companion, and precious child.

On the 23rd of November, Hoda stood alongside her partner and their little daughter as they were featured during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As a rabid fanboy, I couldn’t help but be utterly smitten when Haley made her Halloween debut! Dressed to the nines in an irresistibly cute bunny costume, she was the epitome of adorability as we strolled through the neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Accompanied by her loving mom and her trusted companion, it was a sight I’ll never forget!

On October 26th, Hoda put Haley in a pumpkin costume and posted on Instagram, “I was so excited!!!

Over the Labor Day weekend, Hoda captured a group selfie at the beach featuring herself, six-month-old Haley, her mother on the left, sister positioned at the top right corner, and brother standing to the right.

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2025-01-10 21:20