Hoda Kotb, beloved host of NBC's Today show, recently celebrated her 60th birthday with an emotional surprise from former President George W. Bush. The unexpected gift? A heartfelt portrait painted by Bush himself, inspired by one of Kotb's favorite photographs with her daughters, Haley and Hope.
The special moment unfolded during the live broadcast of Today with Hoda & Jenna on August 12, where Kotb's co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, presented the artwork. This thoughtful gesture brought Kotb to tears as she opened the gift, truly reflecting the love shared within their tight-knit circle of friends and family.
Jenna shared the intimate backstory of the painting with the audience, explaining how her father had taken up painting as a hobby after leaving the White House. “I had my dad, who has started painting, paint your favorite photo of you holding your girls,” Jenna said.
The painting depicted the scene of Kotb strolling alongside her daughters, showcasing the bond the trio shares. Bush struck his signature style by signing the piece with “43,” denoting his position as the 43rd president, adding another personal touch to the gift.
Upon unwrapping the portrait, Kotb was clearly overcome with emotion, holding up the framed artwork to the audience. She initially struggled to express her feelings verbally, outpouring tears of joy instead, creating a touching moment for viewers both on-set and at home.
“It’s too much, it’s too much,” Bush Hager exclaimed, at one point urging producers to cut to a video as the heartfelt atmosphere became overwhelming. Kotb's reaction was exactly what many who know her had hoped for—a deep connection to the painting and to the family it represented.
This was just one highlight of Kotb's significant birthday celebrations. The Today show also featured surprise messages from some of her friends, including actress Sandra Bullock, and heartfelt tributes from her loved ones.
The birthday festivities were initiated by Hoda’s daughters: little Hope, who is just four years old, and seven-year-old Haley. They spoke sweetly to their mother, saying, “Happy Birthday, mommy, we love you,” which brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Hoda's story of motherhood is particularly poignant, as it has been filled with the ups and downs of her personal life. After being diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2007, which made her unable to conceive, she made the beautiful decision to adopt her daughters.
She described her path to motherhood as something she had always dreamed about, yet often questioned her worthiness for the role. “I wondered if I was worthy of being a mother,” she admitted, illustrating her heartfelt determination to embrace this new chapter of joy.
Even leading up to this significant milestone, Kotb has remained open about her past challenges. Reflecting on her age turning 50, she recalled thinking, “This life you have is great and don’t ask for more.”
Becoming active within her community has also been a significant part of Kotb's life. She has been devoted to supporting organizations like Groove With Me, where young girls could dance—a passion she held close to her heart.
Throughout the birthday episode, Kotb was also surprised by families she had connected with through her work. One touching reunion involved former NFL player Devon Still and his daughter Leah, who is now healthy and thriving after overcoming cancer.
Leah, once diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, received support from Kotb ten years ago during her treatment. “People like Hoda really showed up for our family,” said Still, emphasizing the importance Kotb's presence had throughout their experience.
Another emotional reunion was with Bart Conley, whose late wife Kotb had assisted during her battle with breast cancer. “You sharing our story meant so much to us,” Bart reflected, highlighting the close connections forged through difficult times.
Stacy Parrado, who was surprised by Kotb with news of their adoption years ago, returned to gift Kotb beautiful flowers, creating even more depth to the birthday segment. This outpouring of love and gratitude illustrated how impactful Kotb has been as not just on-screen talent, but also as someone deeply invested in personal stories.
Looking forward, as Kotb moves forward entering her new decade, she remains hopeful about her future. After parting ways with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, she expressed excitement at the prospect of romance and love waiting around for her.
Reflecting on entering her 60s, she noted, “I can see romance clearly, I just can.” This feeling of optimism wrapped the day's festivities in even more love and promise.
While this celebration brought joy and nostalgia, Kotb's fans were reminded of how frequently she has shared her own experiences of life, love, and motherhood. This birthday moment, especially with the poignant portrait by George W. Bush, is just another chapter of her continuing story filled with kindness and heartfelt connection.
Overall, Hoda Kotb's 60th birthday was not merely another celebration; it represented her amazing life story, her triumphs, challenges, and hopes as she continues to share love with those around her. With outpouring affection from her daughters, heartfelt surprises from colleagues, and the sweet portrait from George W. Bush, it was a day of recognition for everything she cherishes.
Such special moments remind everyone of the importance of family, friends, and the unforgettable bonds formed throughout our lives, celebrating those relationships as we mark each cherished birthday.
