Hey there, friends! Let’s talk about something heartwarming. Hoda Kotb, the beloved cohost of the Today show, made a surprise appearance on February 28, just about two months after she stepped down from her cohosting duties. Now, Hoda may have left her spot on the morning show, but she’s still very much a part of the family. And this little visit was nothing short of magical.
Hoda’s Surprise Appearance in New Orleans
In the show’s third hour, the team, including Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer, were reporting live from the vibrant streets of New Orleans, celebrating the joyous occasion of Mardi Gras. They were all about indulging in the local culture, food, and festivities when the unexpected happened. Al, who has been with the show for decades, introduced a video surprise, bringing Hoda back into the spotlight for a brief moment.
“Before we go any further, I think we’ve got a very special person who knows this city well,” Al, 70, said, setting the stage for Hoda, 60, to make her appearance. The screen then cut to a video of Hoda, and she wasted no time in making her presence known.
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Hoda’s Video Message: A Burst of Joy
Hoda, full of her usual charm, couldn’t help but express her surprise and delight at the team's visit to her beloved city. “Hey guys, wait a minute, are you in my city? Without me?” she joked, playfully teasing her friends. She went on to tell them that they were about to experience all the joys of New Orleans—eating all the food, listening to all the music, and enjoying the city she calls the best on earth.
“Y’all have so much without me, wah wah, happy Mardi Gras!” Hoda said with a laugh, reminding everyone of her unique ability to make any situation feel like a party.
Why New Orleans Holds a Special Place in Hoda's Heart
Dylan, 43, couldn’t help but remind everyone at home that New Orleans is “Hoda’s city.” Al quipped about a time when Hoda got to ride on a float in a parade, likening it to riding with the queen of England. Hoda’s connection to New Orleans runs deep. Back in the early '90s, she became an anchor at WWL-TV and moved into a charming apartment in the French Quarter, which she described as the perfect corner of New Orleans.
In a conversation with Southern Living in June 2024, Hoda shared her love for the area. “It was within walking distance of some of the world’s greatest coffeehouses, a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River, and so perfectly located that we’d hear live music out our window every now and then. There were no strangers. It was a real community,” she said, painting a vivid picture of her life in the city.
Sharing her love for New Orleans is something Hoda is eager to do with her daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. She wants them to know and love the city as much as she does, making it a part of their lives. “I want them to see what it’s like to be front and center at the parade,” she explained.
Choosing Family Over Fame
Hoda’s decision to step down from the Today show in January was inspired by her deep love for motherhood. She wanted to spend more time with her children and be able to take them to school each morning. It’s been an adjustment for longtime viewers not seeing her on the morning show, but Hoda has no regrets about her choice.
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“It was a huge pivot,” Hoda’s good friend, jewelry designer Jennifer Miller, told USA Today on February 27. “She loved being a mother so much that she was like, ‘I want to do this all the time. This is so important to me.’ The decision she made to change her career really came from these two beautiful girls. It’s been amazing to watch.”
