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Hoda Kotb received a special gift from former US President George W. Bush in honor of her 60th birthday.
On August 12, the Today The host received a surprise portrait of herself and her two daughters, Hope and Haley, from the 43rd president of the United States. During the broadcast, co-host Jenna Bush Hager presented Kotb with an original painting of her favorite family photo done by none other than her father.
“I asked my dad, who had just started painting, to paint your favorite photo,” Hager told Kotb.
Kotb then ripped off the wrapping paper and turned the artwork over to reveal an image of herself walking between Hope and Haley in front of a row of bare trees. In the corner of the painting, the former U.S. president autographed “43” in red paint.
An emotional Kotb couldn't find the words to thank Hager for her father's sentimental gift. In footage of the touching moment on the show, Kotb became emotional as she sat next to her co-host. “You have to go watch a video. It's too much,” Hager cried, fighting back her own tears.
At 52, Kotb became a mother when she welcomed daughter Haley Joy through adoption in February 2017. She then expanded her family two years later, adopting daughter Hope Catherine in April 2019.
In addition to the touching gift from Hager's father, the journalist received several birthday wishes from her friends, family and fans, including actress Sandra Bullock. During the August 12 show, Kotb saw an unexpected video from Bullock.
“Hoda, Hoda, Hoda. I had so many brilliant, fun things lined up for you, for this message, that were going to be amazing. But you know, girl, I’m just so tired. I’m tired because I had to climb that mountain before you got here so I could see the terrain, see what things look like and feel like so I could tell you,” the 60-year-old actor began.
“It's weird because people seem to want us to be afraid of what everything will look like when we get there. It turns out it's pretty cool. It's pretty amazing,” he continued.
“We are all so lucky to have you, especially your kids. So happy birthday, my sweet friend. Thank you for allowing me to be in your circle. I feel so grateful,” Bullock exclaimed.
The emotional tribute was followed by thousands of kind messages on Instagram. “Happy 60th birthday when I tell you turning 60 feels amazing,” one woman commented under Kotb’s post.
Another fan told Kotb that she was her inspiration to become a mother, despite not being married. “I want you to know that YOU are the reason I now have my son at home. I was in my late thirties (it seems so young now) and hadn’t met my person yet,” she wrote. “Despite feeling the call to motherhood my whole life, I felt the pain of that door closing. Then I saw you announce your daughter’s adoption and it was like a veil was lifted.”
