Hoda Kotb is leaving behind a legacy of love as she prepares to depart from the Today show after nearly 18 years on air. To celebrate her last week, Kotb received a special surprise from a couple whose wedding she officiated on the show’s plaza less than two years ago. Mindy Shore and Ben Hebert, who met on a dating app in 2020 and got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2023, had their wedding officiated by Kotb in a televised ceremony. Al Roker even stepped in to walk the bride down the aisle due to her father’s recent passing and her mother’s inability to travel.
During a heartfelt segment on Thursday, Kotb had a surprise reunion with Shore and Hebert, who shared how wonderful their marriage has been and expressed their gratitude for Kotb’s role in their lives. The couple presented Kotb with a special gift to remember their wedding day, showcasing preserved flowers in an acrylic ornament. Kotb was moved by the gesture and expressed her appreciation for being part of their love story.
As Kotb prepares to say goodbye to the show, she reflected on the many love stories she has been a part of as an ordained minister. She tearfully acknowledged the impact of witnessing someone’s life change and expressed gratitude for the experiences she had on the show. Craig Melvin will be stepping in as Savannah Guthrie’s permanent co-anchor on the Today show following Kotb’s departure.
While Jenna Bush Hager will be welcoming new co-hosts on the rebranded Today with Jenna & Friends, Scarlett Johansson is set to join her as a guest co-host starting on Tuesday, January 21. Read the original article on People.
