Hoda Kotb Teared Up on the Today Show Talking About the Coronavirus
America’s morning show anchors—like Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie on the Today show, or Gayle King on CBS This Morning—are in a unique position during a crisis like the coronavirus. They’re not only providing factual information and updates to millions of Americans but offering a steady voice and presence in a chaotic time.
But they’re also just people trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Kotb, who is beloved by Today fans for her warmth and daily on-air “boosts,” showed that very relatable human side on Friday morning, March 27. After interviewing New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees about his family’s $5 million donation to COVID-19 relief efforts in Louisiana, she was visibly shaken and in tears. (Kotb worked for years in New Orleans and often talks about her love of Brees and the Saints on the show.)
As Kotb tried to gather herself in the studio and kept saying “sorry,” her co-anchor Guthrie (who is broadcasting from her home) said, “Oh Hoda, I know, it’s a lot. Hoda, I’m so sorry, hun. It’s a lot. I know where your heart is, I do,” before taking over the next story tease. The two discussed the moment later on Today. “You sort of look around for someone to hug just because—that’s also part of it,” Kotb said,
The response on social media to Kotb was heartwarming. “May sound weird, but Hoda Kotb crying on the @TODAYshow after interviewing Drew Brees was what I needed this morning. She kept apologizing. She didn’t need to. We’re all in this, and it’s hurting us all,” one person tweeted. Another said, “I think we are all Hoda right now.”
“Watching @hodakotb show emotion after a piece on her home is the most human thing I’ve seen. We love you Hoda! @TODAYshow,” wrote a third person.
Hang in there, everyone.