Hoda Kotb's Unforgettable Encounter with Taylor Swift
Let me tell you something unforgettable. Hoda Kotb, the ever-charming Today host, has a story that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring. It’s all about the first time she met Taylor Swift, the queen of pop herself. Hoda opened up about their meeting while filming a Dateline episode, and let me tell you, it’s a story worth hearing.
“Way back when Taylor was just starting out, and she was about to perform one of her very first concerts, the producers sent me to do a piece for Dateline,” said Hoda, who’s now 59, while chatting with guest cohost Sheinelle Jones on Today With Hoda and Jenna back on June 24. “I’ll never forget it because, honestly, I thought she was just a teenager. You know, one of those fresh-faced young stars just breaking into the industry.”
Polite and In Charge: Hoda's First Impression of Taylor Swift
Hoda shared how Taylor made her presence known right from the start. “We were walking around the set, and she goes, ‘So, Hoda, I’ll be here and here.’ Then, out of nowhere, she says, ‘Uh, excuse me, guys, excuse me,’ and they all turn around. She says, ‘I need a kick light here.’ And let me tell you, I looked at this girl, and I thought to myself: polite and in charge. Both things,” Hoda recalled with a smile. “I mean, this kid was clearly someone who knew what she wanted, even back then.”
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Hoda added, “I thought to myself, this is a kid who probably had people tell her, ‘Look, honey, I’ve lit this room for the greatest, so just leave it to me.’ But Taylor? Nope. She knew exactly what she needed, and she wasn’t afraid to ask for it. That’s the mark of someone who’s destined for greatness.”
Sheinelle Jones Chimes In
“I love that story,” chimed in Sheinelle, who’s 46. “Because when you see her on stage now, it’s clear she’s been working on her craft for years. This girl didn’t just show up overnight. She’s been building her empire one note at a time.”
“Exactly,” Hoda agreed. “Taylor knows what she wants. She’s true to herself, and she trusts her instincts over every other voice around her. That’s what sets her apart. She’s not just a pop star; she’s an artist who knows who she is and what she stands for.”
Hoda’s Swiftie Experience: The Eras Tour
In May 2023, Hoda took her Swiftie fandom to the next level by attending Taylor’s Eras tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. She couldn’t help but share her excitement on Instagram, posting a series of photos from the concert. “@njtransit was the only way to get to @taylorswift’s epic concert Friday night!!” she wrote, capturing the thrill of the evening.
During an episode of Today after the concert, Hoda gushed about the unforgettable experience. She even shared how she bonded with other Swifties on the way to the show. “This is what I love about Swifties—they’re like this: ‘You don’t have enough glitter.’ In a bag, they had adhesive gems,” she reflected on her train ride. “People make bracelets that say the names of all of her songs.”
“I was just so mesmerized,” Hoda added. “The music was incredible. It was like going to Woodstock or some kind of event that you’ll remember forever!”
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Hoda’s Emotional Connection to Taylor’s Music
In November 2023, during an episode of her podcast Hope Is a Rainbow, Hoda revealed which one of Taylor’s songs makes her the most emotional. Hoda explained that she has a special connection to the song “Enchanted” because it reminds her of a moment she shared with her youngest daughter, Hope.
“I was with Hope yesterday, and you know that song ‘Enchanted’ by Taylor Swift?” she asked Erin Andrews during an episode of her “Making Space” podcast. “So enchanted to meet you?”
“I’m looking at Hope, and she’s looking at me, and the song comes on. And all of a sudden, I get choked up,” Hoda explained, her voice filled with emotion. “I go, ‘Hopey, the first time you were placed in my arms, I realized that was the word.’ I said, ‘Enchanted means it’s more than delighted—it’s the biggest word.’”
Hoda is also a proud mom to daughter Haley, who’s a Swiftie in her own right. Both she and her sister wore matching shirts that said “Go Taylor’s Boyfriend” during Super Bowl LVIII, showing support for Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
