As Kathie Lee Gifford prepared for her final week on the Today show, she decided to make it unforgettable—not just for herself but for her co-host, Hoda Kotb. On a memorable Monday, April 1 episode, Kathie Lee pulled out all the stops, surprising Hoda with a heartfelt gift that left the audience—and Hoda herself—in awe. It was one of those moments where the emotional depth of their friendship truly shone through.

A Special Goodbye: Kathie Lee's Thoughtful Gesture

As the cameras rolled, Kathie Lee, with her signature charm, began to speak about the 11 incredible years she spent sitting next to Hoda. “What do I get my Hoda for being the joy and honor of sitting next to you?” she asked rhetorically. She then introduced Sydney Clawson, a talented artist from Nashville who had become a new friend of hers. “Hoda, you love my paintings, but this one is something special. Sydney is brilliant, and I think you’ll adore this piece,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and excitement. With that, Kathie Lee unveiled the drape covering the gift, revealing a stunning portrait of Hoda and her 2-year-old daughter, Haley Joy Kotb, locked in a tender embrace.

The Portrait: A Symbol of Joy

Underneath the breathtaking sketch, a powerful message read, “My joy is non-negotiable.” The moment Kathie Lee revealed the artwork, Hoda was visibly moved. Her eyes welled up with tears as she walked over to hug Kathie Lee tightly, trying her best to hold back her emotions. It wasn’t just any gift; it was a reflection of Hoda’s journey and the immense joy her daughter brings into her life. The gesture spoke volumes about the bond these two women share and the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives.

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Happy bday to my ❤️
A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) on Mar 21, 2019 at 10:50am PDT

Hoda's Journey to Motherhood

For Hoda, this gift meant so much more than just a beautiful piece of art. In previous interviews with People, she opened up about the deep longing she felt before becoming a mother. “There was a hole,” she confessed, describing how people would ask her if she had kids, leaving her feeling a pang of emptiness. “I knew inside it was supposed to be for me,” she added, her words resonating with anyone who has ever dreamed of starting a family. But when Haley entered her life, everything changed. Hoda found the fulfillment she had been searching for, and nothing could compare to the joy of being a mother.

“I wake up sometimes and think, ‘Oh my God, I have a baby!’” Hoda gushed, her excitement palpable. “But it feels completely real. When you’ve waited so long for something, prayed for it, hoped for it, and wondered if it would ever happen, and then it does—there’s nothing more real than that. Nothing.” Her heartfelt words captured the essence of motherhood and the profound connection she shares with her daughter.

As Kathie Lee’s final week on the Today show unfolded, her gift to Hoda wasn’t just a farewell—it was a celebration of their friendship, a testament to the joy Hoda experiences every day, and a reminder of the incredible journey they’ve shared together.