Kathie Lee Gifford is back Today for a very special farewell!

On Jan. 10, the 71-year-old television personality fooled her former co-host Hoda Kotb by sending her a recorded video message to congratulate her on her final day before surprising Kotb, 60, and going on stage.

In the video message, Gifford said she “wishes” she was there in person to celebrate Kotb and have the opportunity to “hug” her. “I always loved hugging you,” she said, before praising Kotb as “so loved.”

Gifford said she was “sorry to miss your big day, but you know, I’m very busy,” causing both Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager to laugh before appearing in front of the ladies.

“So you fell for it?” Gifford teased her longtime friend, who admitted she was “wondering” if her former co-host would show up.

“I was like, I really hope Kathie comes,” Kotb said.

Gifford then began singing, serenading Kotb before reflecting on her 11 years as host of the fourth hour of Today together.

“My problem is that I’m falling in love. And I fell in love with Hoda,” Gifford said.

Although she originally thought she “couldn’t do better than” her first co-host Regis Philbin, Gifford said she would just as “look forward to being with the deceased every day.” Live The host, who died in 2020, also enjoyed every moment with Kotb.

“She’s sunshine in a bottle,” Gifford continued. “You’re a fearless person, that’s what you are.”

The Today The team then brought out a few large glasses of wine for Kotb, Gifford and Bush Hager, 43, and allowed Gifford to offer a final toast to her former co-host.

“May you enter the most joyful, prosperous and meaningful time of your life with these precious daughters that I saw coming into your lives. What a blessing that was,” Gifford said of Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. “And once.” These babies came, I knew it wouldn’t be long, so bless you, my dear friend.

In September, Kotb announced her decision to leave the morning show after 17 years on the air.

Shortly before sharing the news with the public, the journalist wrote a letter to the NBC morning show staff explaining her decision to leave.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” the letter began. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I feel that so deeply right now. I love you And It’s time for me to leave the show.

Although her broadcasting career has been “beyond meaningful,” Kotb admitted that her daughters and mother “need and deserve a bigger piece of my time.” She added: “I will miss you all dearly, but I am ready and excited.”

Although she will no longer be the co-host of TodayThe journalist said she would remain with the station in a new role.

“Happy and grateful, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest working relationship I have ever held close to my heart,” she wrote. “I’ll be there. How could I not? Family is family and you will always be a part of me.”

Shortly after Kotb announced her departure, Gifford honored her legacy on Today with a touching statement shared on X.

“Bittersweet news that my dear friend @hodakotb is retiring from the Today Show,” she wrote at the time, along with photos of them hosting the fourth hour Today.

“Her warmth, laughter and incredible spirit brightened our mornings and touched countless hearts,” she continued. “To new adventures!”

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Today airs weekdays at 7 p.m. ET on NBC.