Hoda Kotb left her former colleagues stunned when she made an unexpected appearance 

during Friday’s episode of The Today Show. The beloved NBC alum surprised the hosts by tuning in for the show’s special Live from New Orleans broadcast to send warm Mardi Gras wishes to Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer. Her unexpected participation added an 

extra layer of excitement to the festive episode, which was dedicated to celebrating one of the most vibrant and culturally rich events in the United States.

The Today Show’s third-hour broadcast was set in the heart of New Orleans, with the hosts seated in the famous Mardi Gras World, an iconic venue located along the Mississippi River. Surrounded by colorful floats and festive décor, the anchors embraced the energy of the city as they prepared to immerse themselves in the weekend-long celebration. Before launching into their segment featuring a guided city tour and interviews with renowned culinary experts, the hosts were taken aback when a familiar voice chimed in unexpectedly.

Al Roker built up the suspense before introducing the special guest, hinting at someone with deep ties to the city. “I think we’ve got a very special person who knows this city well. Take a look,” he teased. The screen then lit up with a video feed of Hoda Kotb, seated comfortably in a cozy white armchair in a warmly decorated office with elegant wood accents. With her signature warmth and humor, she immediately called out the hosts for being in “her city” without her.

“Hey guys. Wait a minute, are you in my city? Without me?” she asked, feigning disbelief. Her playful banter continued as she predicted exactly how her former co-hosts would spend their time in New Orleans. “Ok, Al, Craig, Dylan, you guys. I know what you’re going to do. Eat all the food, yes you will. Listen to all the music, yes you will. Enjoy what I believe is the best city on earth,” she joked.

Moments later, Hoda added a dramatic flair by pretending to cry over missing out on the festivities. “Y’all have so much fun without me,” she lamented, making her former co-hosts laugh. With a final heartfelt message, she wished them a joyful celebration, saying, “Happy Mardi Gras.”

Dylan Dreyer was particularly thrilled by Hoda’s appearance, acknowledging the deep connection she has with the city. “This is Hoda’s city,” she declared. Al Roker then shared a touching memory of a special experience he had with Hoda years ago. “About ten years ago, I got to ride on a float with Hoda during the parade. It was like riding with the Queen of England,” he reminisced, highlighting how much the city and its traditions mean to her.

Following the heartwarming surprise, the hosts introduced a special Today segment titled Taste of New Orleans, which celebrated the city’s rich culinary scene. As part of the event, they indulged in some of New Orleans’ most beloved delicacies, including the iconic sugar-dusted beignets that have become synonymous with the city’s food culture.

Although Hoda was not physically present for the live broadcast, her nostalgia for New Orleans was evident. While she originally grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, she later moved to New Orleans and spent much of the 1990s living there. Her deep affection for the city has remained strong over the years, and she has frequently spoken about the lasting impact it has had on her life and career.

Beyond her surprise appearance on The Today Show, Hoda has been making headlines for another unexpected reunion. Earlier in the week, she delighted her longtime friend and former co-anchor Savannah Guthrie by showing up unannounced at her book tour event. Savannah, who is currently promoting her upcoming novel Mostly What God Does Is Love You, was overjoyed by the unexpected visit. The heartwarming moment was captured in an Instagram post, where Savannah shared her excitement and gratitude for Hoda’s unwavering support.

“Happiness is… your friend surprising—no, SHOCKING you—by showing up at your book event,” Savannah wrote in her caption. “@hodakotb there is just no one like you. My biggest cheerleader from beginning to end.”

Whether through a surprise appearance on television or an unannounced visit to a friend’s book tour, Hoda Kotb continues to prove that her warmth, charisma, and generosity remain as strong as ever. Her spontaneous Mardi Gras cameo on The Today Show was a reminder of her deep love for New Orleans and the lasting bonds she has with her former colleagues. While she may no longer be a daily presence on the show, her influence and spirit are still very much felt, leaving fans eager for her next surprise moment.

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