Hoda Kotb gets emotional while receiving a farewell gift from author Charlie Mackesy on ‘Today’.Photo:NBC
NBC
Jenna Bush Hagerteamed up with one ofHoda Kotb’s favorite authors to make her final week atTodayextra special.
On Monday, Jan. 6, Bush Hager, 43, began the NBC program’s weeklong“Hoda-bration”— a celebration of Kotb’s final days with the outlet — with a very thoughtful gift for herToday With Hoda & Jennaco-host.
“We wanna kick off the week with a little something, and we know you love this author, Charlie Mackesy,” Hager revealed. “He wroteThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.”
“That’s one of my favorite books. I love him,” Kotb, 60, interjected as Hager said, “I know, and he adores you” — as she revealed the British writer’s gift.
Drawn in the same style asThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Mackesy made Kotb a painting that reads, “Every step you take is a victory.” He also wrote “Hoda” on the art, and signed it “Love, Charlie.”
Becoming visibly emotional at the gift, Kotb said, “First of all, I love him so much. His book has been life-changing for so many people, including me,” before revealing that she already has a sketch from his book hanging in her office.
“I can’t believe he did that,” she added. But that wasn’t all Mackesy did.
The British author, 62, also filmed a special message for theTodayanchor, which Bush Hager showed live on the air during Monday’s program.
“Hoda, it’s Charlie Mackesy here. Hello,” he began. “I’m in the rain in London to say I’m wishing you all the luck in the world and all the blessings and I hope your next step is fun.”
Expanding on the message he included in her illustration, he continued, “You’ve given so much and give so much, and I hope you love what you’re going to do next, and every single step you take is a victory.”
“And thank you for including me on your journey with the book,” he added, as both Kotb and Bush Hager appeared to get emotional. “I’m so grateful to you, always will be so grateful. Thank you, Hoda.”
Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on ‘Today’ on Jan. 6.NBC
Reacting to the heartwarming video, Kotb said, “I love him. I love how he said he’s in the rain … Charlie, thank you.”
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Kotb first announced thatshe planned to depart her roleatTodayafter nearly two decades in September, citing a desire to spend more time with her daughters,Hope Catherine, 5, andHaley Joy, 7.
Reflecting on her decision in October, she told PEOPLE, “There’s the guilt you carry because you can’t be 100% at work and 100% at home.”
“Something has to give if you want excellence,” she continued. “If you’re going to be excellent at work, something has to give at home. And if you want to be excellent at home — I meanexcellent, and do all the things — something has to give at work. It can’t be equal.”
source: people.com
