Hoda Kotb made an unexpected appearance on The Today Show, catching her former co-hosts off guard during a special Mardi Gras-themed broadcast.

Though her return was met with excitement, it was clear that she felt a bit left out

as her colleagues celebrated in one of her favorite cities without her.

A Surprise Call During Today’s Mardi Gras Special

On Friday’s episode, Today went live from New Orleans, with Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer hosting from Mardi Gras World, right along the Mississippi River.

The segment was filled with the vibrant energy of the festival, featuring interviews with local chefs and a tour of the city’s festivities.

However, the biggest surprise of the day came when a familiar face made an unexpected virtual appearance.

As the show got underway, Al Roker teased a special guest, saying, “I think we’ve got a very special person who knows this city well. Take a look.”

The screen then displayed a video message from Hoda, who was seated in a cozy white armchair in an elegant office with wood-accented decor. With her signature warmth and humor, she playfully expressed her disappointment at missing out on the celebration.

“Hey guys, wait a minute, are you in my city? Without me?” she asked, feigning shock. She continued, “Okay, 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.”

With a dramatic fake cry, she added, “Y’all have so much fun without me. Wah wah!” before closing with a cheerful, “Happy Mardi Gras!”

A City Close to Hoda’s Heart

Hoda’s deep connection to New Orleans is no secret. Though she was raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, she lived in the Crescent City throughout the 1990s while working as a reporter and anchor. She has often described New Orleans as her second home, a place that holds some of her fondest memories.

Dylan Dreyer acknowledged this connection, stating, “This is Hoda’s city.” Meanwhile, Al Roker reminisced about a special moment he shared with Hoda during a past Mardi Gras celebration.

“About ten years ago, I got to ride on a float with Hoda during the parade,” Al recalled. “It was like riding with the Queen of England.”

Despite her absence, the hosts made sure to honor her love for New Orleans by indulging in the city’s signature treats during the show’s special segment, Taste of New Orleans. They enjoyed beignets while immersing themselves in the city’s rich culture and cuisine.

A Bittersweet Nostalgia

While Hoda’s surprise appearance was filled with laughter, it also carried a sense of longing. Since stepping away from Today, she has remained connected to her former colleagues, but moments like these remind her of the strong bond she shared with the show.

Her sentimental mood was further reflected in another recent surprise—her unexpected visit to Savannah Guthrie’s book tour event earlier that week. The heartwarming reunion took place on Tuesday as Savannah promoted her latest book, Mostly What God Does is Love You, with appearances across the Midwest and East Coast.

Savannah took to Instagram to share the emotional moment, posting a picture of the two embracing. In the caption, she wrote, “Happiness is… your friend surprising—no, SHOCKING—you by showing up at your book event. @hodakotb, there is just no one like you. My biggest cheerleader from beginning to end.”

A Lasting Connection

Despite no longer sitting at the Today anchor desk, Hoda continues to be a cherished part of the show’s extended family. Her surprise call during the Mardi Gras special was a reminder of her enduring love for New Orleans and the friendships she built over the years.

While she may have felt a little left out watching the festivities from afar, her presence was certainly felt. And given her deep affection for the city and the show, it’s likely that this won’t be the last time she finds a way to reconnect with her former colleagues in a meaningful way.