Originally appeared on E! Online

Hoda Kotb is letting the good times roll.

The former Today cohost made a surprise return to the NBC morning news show less than two months after she bid farewell to her longtime workplace after nearly 17 years.

Hoda appeared during the third hour of the Feb. 28 broadcast to spice things up ahead of the annual Mardi Gras celebrations in The Big Easy.

“Before we go any further,” Al Roker announced while reporting live from the festivities, “I think we’ve got a very special person who knows this city well.”

A video message from Hoda then played, surprising her replacement Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer.

“Hey guys, wait a minute, are you in my city? Without me?” the 60-year-old interrupted. “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. Y’all have so much without me, wah wah, happy Mardi Gras!”

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Keep reading for a closer look at Hoda’s sweetest family moments with her daughters.

Plus, Al recounted fond memories of enjoying the Mardi Gras fun with Hoda in years past.

“I will tell you, about 10 years ago I got to ride with Hoda on a float in the parade,” the longtime weatherman recalled. “It was like riding with the queen of England.”

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Hoda’s love of the Crescent City goes back years.

“It’s the closest to a hometown I’ve ever felt,” the mom of daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, told Southern Living in June 2024. “There’s a magnetism about New Orleans that grabs you right out the gate.”

She also publicly mourned the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street last month before her Jan. 10 send-off, telling viewers live on air, “New Orleans is my second home and my heart broke this morning.”

Keep reading for a closer look at Hoda’s sweetest family moments with her daughters.

Hoda Kotb made a surprising return to Today less than two months after stepping away from her role as co-anchor. Her unexpected reappearance caught many by surprise, as the public had been left wondering about her brief absence.

Hoda’s Absence and Speculation:

Hoda had stepped away from the show for personal reasons in February, though the specifics behind her leave were kept private. This led to a lot of speculation about her health and family matters. During her time off, co-anchor Savannah Guthrie continued to host with a series of guest co-hosts. The absence of Hoda was noticeable, as she had been a staple on Today for years.

The Surprise Return:

Hoda made her return to the Today show with a warm and emotional welcome. Fans were thrilled to see her back on-screen, and her colleagues greeted her with open arms. Savannah Guthrie, who had been holding down the fort in Hoda’s absence, was especially happy to have her co-anchor back. Hoda’s return was a moment of joy for the viewers who had missed her positivity and presence on the show.

Hoda’s Personal Reflection:

During her return, Hoda spoke briefly about her time off, expressing her gratitude for the support she received from her colleagues, her family, and her fans. While she didn’t go into too much detail about her personal life, she shared how important it was for her to focus on what she needed to during her absence.

Her emotional and uplifting return resonated with fans, reinforcing the bond she has with her audience. It was clear that Hoda’s resilience and dedication to her work were strong, and she was happy to be back doing what she loves.

What’s Next?

Although Hoda’s return is still fresh, her fans are eager to see her continue to shine on Today. The warmth and positivity she brings to the show are undeniable, and it’s clear her presence was missed. As for the future, it seems that Hoda is ready to continue with her professional journey, all while maintaining a sense of privacy about the personal matters that led to her temporary leave.

Fans of Today can rest easy knowing that Hoda Kotb is back where she belongs, bringing her infectious energy and positivity back to the morning show.