Hoda Kotb has fans in their feels after she surprised her friend and former co-host with an emotional and unexpected reunion on the set of the Today show in New York City. Get ready to smile!
During a morning briefing, the retired host decided to stop by her old workplace to give Jenna Bush Hager and other team members a little shock that had the room buzzing. It was one of her rare visits to NBC Studios since her departure, and fans of the show are loving the shared Instagram video of the sweet surprise.
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Hoda drops in on Today show cast and crew
It’s no secret that people across the country have missed the former Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host since she officially made the decision to retire at the end of last year. However, no one has seemed to miss her more than her final co-host at the studio, Jenna. It’s all evident in the way the two friends embrace each other in the video posted to Instagram.
“What is happening?” asks a shocked Jenna before pulling her former co-worker into a big hug. “I FaceTimed you today!”
Hoda can then be seen moving to give Today’s newest temporary team member, Dwayne Wade, a hug, telling everyone she “had to come in for a second” and that the basketball star was “crushing it” during his week-long appearance as a television co-host and personality.
Fans express their love for the former co-anchor
Once the brief clip of the special visit was posted on social media, fans of the two daytime stars began freaking out in the comments section.
"What a great surprise to see Hoda!" commented a fan. "We missed you very much."
Another fan wrote that many viewers "miss and love" the 60-year-old correspondent and that she is "walking joy."
Hoda's 17 years with Today came to an end after her final episode aired on January 10th. Several celebrities and guests, from Jason Segel to the cast of Queer Eye, expressed how much they enjoyed watching her before she signed off for the last time.
The mom of two was famous for her bubbly personality, interviews, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage, and fun dialogue with her fellow team members. However, this does not mean she's exiting the public eye forever.
Hoda announces upcoming projects
In early February, the broadcast journalist teased a new collaborative project with another television icon. No, it's not another daytime television series. However, she posted an Instagram photo of her and HGTV star Joanna Gaines, writing they had something fun "cooking."
The post came after reports that Hoda was planning to make a name for herself in the wellness community and create a company that would potentially come out with apps and other helpful sources. This is great news for any Today viewers who found her on-screen presence to be calming.
The retired co-anchor also announced she will be releasing another book, Jump and Find Joy, after already making her mark as an author of several successful stories. Based on fans' reactions to a random backstage Hoda appearance, it's safe to say she'll continue to spread joy in her new business endeavors.
