Kathie Lee Gifford Looks Glamorous While Surprising Hoda Kotb During Final ‘Today’ Episode

Today would not have had a proper send-off for Hoda Kotb without an appearance from the lovely Kathie Lee Gifford. The singer-songwriter made a surprise appearance during Hoda’s final episode of the show to celebrate her wonderful career on Friday, January 10.

Kathie Lee, 71, looked glamorous in a little black dress as she walked out onto the stage to hug Hoda, 60. Initially, Kathie Lee was seen in a video where she said she was in Nashville and could not be there in person for the celebration. But it turns out, it was all a ruse.

Hoda was so excited to see her former Today cohost walk out onto the stage. “I love you so much that I was thinking to myself, ‘I sure hope Kath comes,'” the broadcaster admitted after the big surprise was revealed.

Hoda Kotb on How Kathie Lee Gifford Landed 'Today' Job: 'Boobs Out'

The former cohosts reminisced on the time they spent working alongside each other on the show from 2008 to 2019. Once Kathie Lee left the show in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager took over her cohosting spot in the show’s fourth hour.

Kathie Lee thanked Hoda for helping her grow into the marvelous TV host she became.

“You took away fear,” Kathie Lee said. “You proved to me that you are a fearless person.”

Then, Hoda, Kathie Lee and Jenna, 43, all were given a glass of wine and happily clinked cheers in honor of Hoda’s last day.

“I’m sending you off with a prayer,” Kathie Lee said, reading a Bible verse from Jeremiah. “May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life.”

Even though Kathie Lee left Today more than five yeas ago, she has remained one of Hoda’s close friends and confidants and one of her biggest supporters. When Hoda first announced she was leaving Today in September 2024, Kathie Lee shared some kind words for her pal on social media.

“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 gearing up to lead the fourth hour of Today into a new direction. The hour will be renamed Today With Jenna & Friends, with celebrity guest cohosts each episode. So far, it was announced that the first week of cohosts will include Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria.

In week two of the show’s new iteration, Scarlett Johansson will serve 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, I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read,” the former first daughter told People in an interview published on Tuesday, January 7. “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”

“It’s just a wild dream. But that’s what I’m saying, 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 have built. So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait,” Jenna continued. “We’ve never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!”