Hoda Kotb stepped away from Today early last year. However, through her time on the show, a number of different figures have come into her life and made a big impression. In fact, she recently shared a birthday surprise she had planned for one of her former colleagues.
Hoda Kotb Stepped Away From Today, Beyond Fill-In Spots, On January 10, 2025
Kotb joined Today back in 2007, initially serving as a co-host for the program’s fourth hour, working alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and Jenna Bush Hager. In 2018, she later became a main co-anchor for the 7 and 8 AM hours, working alongside Savannah Guthrie.
However, Kotb announced that she would be stepping away from the show in 2024. Her final official day with the network was on January 10, 2025. Although she has occasionally made appearances on the show, she has shifted her focus to her wellness brand and platform, Joy 101.
Thanks to her work with the morning news program, Kotb has worked with a number of figures over the years. One of her closest co-workers was her driver Eddie, who picked her up and drove her to the studio each morning.
Kotb recently shared that she and Eddie are still close in a share on Instagram. At the time, she shared that she and her kids threw Eddie a special birthday surprise.
Many Fans Took To Social Media To Wish Eddie A Happy Birthday, Too
In an accompanying video, Eddie could be seen walking through the door to a kitchen as Hoda and her daughters hiding from view. Once he enters, they call out “Surprise!” As the camera moved, a birthday cake and a light projector could soon be seen on the table. In a caption to the post, Kotb wrote, “Happy birthday to the best! Eddie! We love you.”
During her time on the show, the two were known to be close, with Kotb often referring to her driver as “my Eddie.” During a 2024 episode of the show, she and Jenna Bush Hager addressed rumors that there was romance sparking between Hoda and Eddie. However, she explained at the time that their relationship was purely platonic.
Taking to the credits, fans shared their reactions to Kotb’s surprise. Of course, fans also wanted to wish Eddie a happy birthday themselves. Some comments included:
- “Happy birthday! Eddie was Hoda’s driver. He took her to work early every morning around 4:00 a.m. when she anchored Today.”
- “Happy Bday Eddie! Hoda fills the world with love.”
- “Happy Birthday Eddie!!! You are so lucky to spark so much joy to Hodie!!!! I bet you’re the best.”
- “Happy Birthday Eddie.”
What is your reaction to Hoda Kotb’s recent share? Have you been following this story? Are you keeping up with Today news? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.