(L-R) Hoda Kotb; Kathie Lee Gifford. Photo:
NBC
Kathie Lee Gifford is back at Today for a very special send-off!
On Jan. 10, the television personality, 71, tricked her former co-host Hoda Kotb as she sent a pre-recorded video message to congratulate her on her last day before surprising Kotb, 60, and walking onstage.
In the video message, Gifford said she was “wishing” she was there in person to celebrate Kotb and to have a chance to “hug” her. “I’ve always loved hugging you,” she said, before praising Kotb as “so beloved.”
Gifford said she was “sorry to miss your big day, but you know I’m very busy,” which made both Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager laugh, before appearing in front of the ladies.
“So you fell for that?” Gifford teased her longtime friend, who admitted she had “wondered” if her former co-host would make an appearance.
“I was thinking to myself, I sure hope Kathie comes,” Kotb said.
(L-R) Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford are pictured on Today with Hoda and Jenna. NBC
Gifford then broke out into song and serenaded Kotb before reflecting on their 11 years hosting the fourth hour of Today together.
“My problem is, I fall in love. And I fell in love with Hoda,” Gifford said.
Though she originally thought she “couldn’t do better than” her first co-host Regis Philbin, Gifford said that in the same way she would “look forward to every day to be with” the late Live host, who died in 2020, so, too, did she enjoy every moment with Kotb.
“She’s sunshine in a bottle,” Gifford continued. “You’re a fearless person, you are.”
The Today team then brought out a few large glasses of wine for Kotb, Gifford and Bush Hager, 43, and allowed Gifford to do one final toast for her former co-host.
“May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life with those precious daughters that I watched come into your life, what a blessing that was,” Gifford said of Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. “And once those babies came, I knew it was time. She ain’t gonna be here long. So bless you, my dear friend.”
(L-R) Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford are pictured. NBC
In September, Kotb announced her decision to leave the morning show after 17 years on air.
Moments before sharing the news with the public, the journalist wrote in a letter to staff of the NBC morning show and explained her decision to leave.
“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the letter began. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”
Though her broadcast career has been “beyond meaningful,” Kotb admitted that her daughters and her mother “need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.” She added, “I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.”
While she will not longer be the co-anchor of Today, the journalist said she’ll remain at the network in a new capacity.
“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she wrote. “I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”
(L) Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. Heidi Gutma via Getty
Shortly after Kotb announced her departure, Gifford paid tribute to her legacy on Today with a touching statement shared on X.
“Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show,” she wrote at the time, alongside photos of them hosting the fourth hour of Today.
“Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts,” she continued. “Here’s to new adventures!”
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Today airs weekdays on NBC beginning at 7 a.m. ET.
