Hoda Kotb’s Most Memorable Moments and Milestones on the TODAY Show
In 1998, Hoda Kotb, a 33-year-old journalist, became part of the NBC family as a “Dateline” correspondent. Fast forward a decade, and she emerged as a prominent figure in morning television, proudly representing the TODAY show.
Nearly three decades later, Hoda’s engaging interviews, thorough journalism, unwavering integrity, and undeniable charm have propelled her to the top of her field, placing her in the ranks of iconic figures like Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer.
More than just a TV personality, Hoda has etched herself into the hearts of millions of Americans who greet her every morning as if she were a cherished member of their family.
As an anchor, host, mentor, journalist, mother, and friend, Hoda has been a steadfast cheerleader for the TODAY viewers, bringing warmth during joyous moments and compassion during challenging times.
As she looks to close one chapter and embark on a new journey, here’s a retrospective of some of her remarkable career milestones and unforgettable moments on TODAY.
April 1998: Hoda joins the NBC family
Originally from Oklahoma, Hoda pursued her degree in broadcast journalism at Virginia Tech. She honed her skills at various TV stations before joining NBC in April 1998. As a “Dateline” correspondent, she reported on significant events like Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, earning the prestigious Peabody Award in 2006 and the Alfred I. duPont Award in 2008 for her piece “The Education of Ms. Groves.”
September 2007: Hoda kicks off the fourth hour
While Hoda regularly contributed to the TODAY news desk, she officially stepped into a co-host role for the show’s fourth hour in September 2007. This segment was designed for more casual discussions on current events and lighthearted topics, a shift from her previous news-heavy experiences. “This new adventure was quite a challenge, from what to say to what to wear,” she later detailed in her memoir, “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.”
October 2007: Hoda’s first TODAY Halloween
In October 2007, Hoda donned her first costume for the TODAY Halloween celebration, a tradition that would flourish over the years. She has since captivated viewers with a range of costumes over more than a decade, including characters like Betty Rubble from “The Flintstones,” Garth from “Wayne’s World,” Sir Elton John, Blake Shelton, and even a dazzling Cirque du Soleil performer. But it all began with her iconic portrayal of Marilyn from “The Munsters.”
March 2008: Kathie Lee enters the scene
In spring 2008, it was announced that former talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford would officially join Hoda as co-host for the fourth hour of TODAY after guest appearances. Their chemistry was remarkable. “We were in awe of her ability to let it fly,” Hoda reflected in her memoir. “She brought exactly what our hour needed.”
April 2008: Chelsea Handler brings the vodka
Following comedian Chelsea Handler’s appearance to promote her book “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea,” the producers decided to serve cocktails in celebration. This moment sparked a new tradition of day-drinking during their live segments, cementing Hoda and Kathie Lee’s legacy.
October 2009: Hoda is transformed into … Yoda
TODAY’s Halloween celebrations are legendary, consistently showcasing outrageous themes and costumes. In 2009, the show embraced a “Star Wars” theme, featuring Al Roker as Han Solo, Kathie Lee as a brilliant C-3PO, and even a life-sized X-wing starfighter. Yet, it was Hoda’s iconic Yoda costume that stole the show and secured her place in TODAY’s legacy.
July 2012: Hoda covers the London Olympics
In 2012, Hoda traveled to London to cover the Summer Olympics, marking the start of her ongoing role as an Olympic correspondent for TODAY. Joined by Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Natalie Morales, she kept the TODAY audience informed on the exciting happenings throughout the Games.
August 2014: Hoda turns 50!
The celebration of Hoda’s 50th birthday was nothing short of spectacular! The TODAY team surprised her with a stunning three-layer cake featuring her favorite treats, including her mom Sami’s delicious baklava. She also enjoyed a special ride to work in a vintage 1964 Mustang convertible driven by actor Dean Cain. To top it all off, Hoda and Kathie Lee reveled in a champagne toast and a dance party with Lil Jon at the deejay booth.
August 2016: Hoda heads to the Rio Games
During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Hoda kept the TODAY audience updated on medal counts and athletes’ performances while enjoying the vibrant nightlife alongside co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Natalie Morales. She even playfully helped apply oil to Pita Taufatofua, the Tongan flag bearer.
February 2017: Hoda welcomes Haley Joy!
In 2017, Hoda joyously announced her new role as a mom after adopting a baby girl named Haley Joy. The name was inspired by Halley’s comet, which is visible from Earth about every 75 years. “It was as if I could envision her sailing across the sky,” Hoda shared with her TODAY colleagues at that moment. “She brings immense joy and has a beautiful spirit.”
January 2018: Hoda and Savannah take over TODAY
On January 2, 2018, Hoda and Savannah made history as the first all-female anchoring pair for TODAY. Their dynamic partnership turned out to be exceptional. Reflecting on their time together in 2023, Savannah told Hoda, “We’re extremely fortunate. You’re my soul sister,” calling their collaboration “the joy of a lifetime.” Hoda reciprocated, saying, “While the segments we air are enjoyable, the moments I cherish most are the ones behind the scenes.”
April 2019: Hoda and Kathie Lee say a heartfelt goodbye
For over 11 years, Hoda and Kathie Lee entertained their audience with dynamic discussions, laughter, personal stories, and mutual support. However, in 2019, the duo shared an emotional farewell as Kathie Lee stepped away to pursue new opportunities. In her farewell message, Kathie Lee expressed, “God placed Hoda in my life for various reasons. I had lessons to learn from her, just as she did from me. Our time together was a blessing.” Hoda echoed these emotions, recalling the powerful connection she felt the moment they met.
April 2019: Hoda & Jenna take the spotlight!
Though Kathie Lee’s departure ended one chapter, it marked the beginning of an exciting new phase with Jenna taking over on TODAY’s fourth hour, officially launching “Hoda & Jenna.” Over the following five years, they shared countless experiences, including both becoming mothers in their first year of co-hosting, recording a holiday duet of “Carefree Christmas,” and embarking on myriad adventures, from a polar plunge to trips to New Orleans and Bermuda.
April 2019: Another joyful addition for Hoda
In 2019, Hoda joyfully shared her latest miracle, adopting her second daughter, Hope Catherine, making Haley Joy a proud big sister. During a heartfelt segment on TODAY, Hoda exclaimed, “My heart feels like it’s overflowing.” She explained that her new daughter’s name symbolizes hope, an inspiration for women who desire their own adoption journeys. “The name signifies my dream of welcoming another child,” she expressed.
February 2020: A heartfelt moment with Oprah
Throughout her illustrious career, Hoda has interviewed a myriad of notable personalities, politicians, and even U.S. presidents. However, in February 2020, her encounter with Oprah Winfrey made her emotional, bringing tears to her eyes. Hoda expressed her admiration to Winfrey, saying, “I’ve watched you uplift countless individuals. You’re one of the few people I look up to in our field. You’ve held people’s hearts with such grace and authenticity, and having you here today is truly surreal.”
September 2023: Hoda officiates a wedding on the Plaza
Over her impressive 26 years at NBC, Hoda has taken on various roles, but perhaps none are quite as significant as officiating weddings. After a romantic engagement on the TODAY Plaza, superfans Ben Hebert and Mindy Shore exchanged vows seven months later, with Al Roker giving the bride away. Hoda proudly officiated the ceremony, expressing, “It’s our privilege that you chose us for your wedding. We hope you create lasting memories together.”
October 2023: Hoda channels Cher for Halloween
Each year, TODAY’s Halloween party seems to outdo itself, and 2023 was no exception. Hoda and Jenna wowed the crowd dressed as the legendary duo, Sonny and Cher. Hoda, donning a dazzling gown inspired by Bob Mackie, captured everyone’s attention with her comedic performance. She later revealed she drew inspiration for her portrayal from the iconic Jack from “Will & Grace,” saying, “That’s my secret to nailing the impression!”
June 2024: Hoda sits down with Céline Dion
Before her stunning performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Céline Dion engaged in an exclusive interview with Hoda to discuss her experiences with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Dion was determined to continue performing, stating, “I’ll be back on stage when I’m ready. My vocal cords won’t intimidate me as I’m prepared, and I aim to deliver!”
August 2024: Hoda cheers on Team USA in Paris
Hoda’s enthusiasm for Team USA is unmatched. She has become particularly close to the U.S. women’s gymnastics team during the Paris Olympics, cheering them on through their events. Their stunning performances led them to gold, and the team affectionately referred to Hoda as their “Olympic momma,” highlighted by Simone Biles.
August 2024: Hoda’s magnificent 60th birthday celebration on the Plaza
Another unforgettable milestone was celebrated on the TODAY Plaza—Hoda’s extravagant 60th birthday bash! The festivities were filled with joy as the TODAY family, topped with surprise performances by Sugarland and Little Big Town, came together to honor Hoda. The celebration also featured special appearances by the dance troupe Groove With Me and her daughters, Hope and Haley, making it an event to remember.
The TODAY family, along with her numerous fans, extended their birthday wishes, honoring the beloved anchor with heartfelt moments that cherished her contributions over the years.
January 2025: Hoda bids farewell
On January 10, after a remarkable 26-year tenure at NBC, Hoda expressed her goodbyes to her TODAY colleagues in a heartfelt farewell dubbed a “Hoda-bration.” Her decision to leave was publicized in September, shortly following her 60th birthday jubilation.
“It became clear to me that at 60, it was time to turn a new page and embark on fresh adventures,” she shared. “As I stood outside, surrounded by this amazing group of individuals with their lovely signs, I realized, ‘this is the peak for me.’ It dawned on me that this was the perfect moment to move forward.”
To commemorate her final day, Hoda and Savannah recreated the iconic photo they took on their very first day as co-anchors back on January 2, 2018.
Surprise appearances from friends and celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Simone Biles, Maria Shriver, and a pre-recorded heartfelt message from Oprah Winfrey further honored Hoda’s legacy.
“I understand how challenging it is to confront the moment when you reflect on all you’ve accomplished and realize it’s time to move forward. I assure you that as time passes, you’ll look back, and you’ll know, ‘Was that the right choice? Did I make the correct decision?’ I can firmly say you have chosen wisely, though it wasn’t easy,” Oprah stated.
Hoda’s colleagues delivered a stirring tribute through a series of messages recalling their experiences with her throughout the years, leading Hoda to shed tears of gratitude. “That was so touching,” she remarked after viewing the tribute.
As Hoda and Savannah made their way to the Plaza, they were met with cheers from TODAY show producers and staff who showered them with “Hoda” merchandise and confetti, forming a celebratory line extending from 30 Rock to the Plaza. Upon reaching the outdoor set, Hoda was embraced by her TODAY colleagues and fans, waving handmade signs in her honor.
“I’ve cherished your cards, bracelets, and crocheted scarves. I’ve received everything,” Hoda expressed. “Let me say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your kindness.”
