Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb Reunite in the ‘Today’ Studio: ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’

As Hoda Kotb hosted her final broadcast on Today, she was joined by a very special guest on the show: one of her former cohosts, Kathie Lee Gifford.

Just before Kotb bade her seat—which she has held since 2007—on the beloved program adieu, the Live with Regis and Kathie Lee alum paid her friend a surprise visit that left her in tears.

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During the Jan. 10 broadcast, a video played in which Gifford said she was actually in Tennessee—just before she came out from backstage and shocked Kotb, much to her elation.

"I love you so much that I was thinking to myself, 'I sure hope Kath comes," the longtime newscaster said upon greeting her pal.

After breaking into song and belting out "The Best Is Yet to Come," Kathie Lee recalled some of the pair's time together hosting Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda from 2008 to 2019.

“You took away fear," the 71-year-old admitted to Kotb. "You proved to me that you are a fearless person.”

Gifford then raised a toast to the Hope Is a Rainbow author, noting, "I'm sending you off with a prayer," as she took a Bible verse from the book of Jeremiah: "May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life."

Related: Jamie Lee Curtis Brings Hoda Kotb to Tears With Surprise Gift During Last Today Episode

Upon the mom of two's September 2024 announcement that she would exit the show soon, Gifford reacted to the news with a heartfelt sentiment.

"Bittersweet news as my dear friend @hodakotb steps away from the Today Show. Her warmth, laughter, and incredible spirit have brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts. Here’s to new adventures!" she shared on X (formerly Twitter) at the time, alongside a duo of joyful captures of the two.

As her nearly 18-year run on the broadcast came to a close, Parade caught up with Kotb, herself, as she finished her final day of filming on Friday in New York City.

"I have a blender of emotions going on around me like a tornado," Kotb told Parade exclusively just minutes after wrapping the show, standing on the plaza holding her daughter Hope's hand. "And I'm trying to hold onto every little last moment of it."

Next: Hoda Kotb Reveals She's in "the Building Process" of Her Next Big Career Move: "I Got Hooked"