Tue Dec 31 00:30:00 UTC 2024: **Today Show’s Hoda Kotb Overcome with Emotion During Tearful Secret Santa Exchange**
NEW YORK – A heartwarming and emotional Secret Santa exchange unfolded on the Today Show’s Christmas Day broadcast, leaving co-host Hoda Kotb visibly moved to tears. The exchange, marking Kotb’s upcoming departure from the show after 17 years, was particularly poignant.
Savannah Guthrie gifted Kotb a set of wishing candles and a framed quote from Josh Garrels’ song “May You Find a Light,” a song Guthrie had previously shared with Kotb during difficult times. Overwhelmed, Kotb shared the sentimental value of the gift, noting Guthrie’s handwritten note as her favorite detail.
The gifts weren’t solely sentimental. Craig Melvin presented Guthrie with a dog sweater embroidered with the name of her new dog, Fetch, while Kotb gifted Melvin a New York Mets blanket, referencing a secret code she used to subtly support him during his job application process. The “Let’s Go Mets” phrase served as a coded message of encouragement unknown to Guthrie until the exchange.
Al Roker, absent due to family time, was also remembered. Carson Daly gifted him a legacy journal for future grandchildren, while Melvin presented Daly with a large jacket from Roker, perfect for post-cold plunge warmth.
The segment concluded with a lighthearted note, highlighting the emotional depth and strong bonds among the Today show hosts as Kotb prepares for her departure on January 10th.
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