Kotb and Gifford hosted “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda” from 2008 until Gifford’s departure in 2019. Gifford was replaced by Jenna Bush Hager, who has remained Kotb’s co-host since. Gifford recalled how she and Kotb bonded before they teamed up for the fourth hour show.

Before there was Hoda & Jenna, there was Kathie Lee & Hoda… and several glasses (bottles?) of wine. So it only makes sense that Kathie Lee Gifford made a surprise visit to Today With Hoda & Jenna to celebrate Hoda Kotb‘s final day on the show.

Gifford then raised a toast to the Hope Is a Rainbow author, noting, "I'm sending you off with a prayer," as she took a Bible verse from the book of Jeremiah: "May you walk into the most joyful, prosperous, purposeful time in your life."