Savannah Guthrie celebrates Hoda Kotb on her 60th birthday

Savannah Guthrie never misses an opportunity to show her affection for Hoda Kotb – especially on her birthday!

Guthrie, 52, took to Instagram on Friday, August 9, to celebrate her Today co-host and close friend who turned 60. In a lengthy caption, Guthrie shared some of the things she likes most about Kotb.

“Happy birthday to the person who brings a smile to everyone they meet, who is quick to offer a hug, whose giggle is infectious, who never stops cheering others on,” she wrote. “To the person whose mere presence instantly changes the atmosphere for the better… I love you and admire you and cherish every minute we get to spend together.”

“That’s 60, you beautiful creature!” her post concluded, alongside a photo of the two of them sitting together at the news desk, laughing.

Kotb had previously revealed in two social media posts how she would spend her big day. “Great birthday morning!! I’m lucky xoxoxo,” she wrote under a series of pictures of herself unwrapping presents with her daughters Haley (7) and Hope (4).

In the background, homemade drawings and decorations around the house could be seen.

A few hours later, she posted a group photo surrounded by balloons and her loved ones – including Kotb’s mother and her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman – with everyone raising their hands in the air.

“Um, 60 stones!” she wrote.

Friends and fans flocked to the comments to send Kotb their love as well, with The conversation Co-host Natalie Morales writes: “Happy birthday and here’s to special memories with these sweet girls.”

Maria Shriver also left a message: “All the best, Mr. Friend, I send you lots of love ❤️”

ABC’s Deborah Roberts also shared some birthday wishes. “Happy birthday dear Hoda. It just keeps getting better every day!! ❤️🎉,” she said.

Just days earlier, Kotb had returned home from Paris after covering the 2024 Summer Olympics and being away from her family. In a heartwarming video, the presenter is seen unlocking the door as her girls skip toward her.

“Mommy, I need a hug!” one of the girls cried.

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Before Kotb even walked through the door, Haley was the first to reach her and give her a big hug. Hope, wearing a Spiderman costume, was next, eager to show her mom a new water bottle.

“Home❤️,” she wrote under the picture, and Guthrie commented, “where the heart is ❤️”