Although getting older can be daunting at times, it is also a time to embrace the wisdom and confidence that comes with age. For American television personality Hoda Kotb – best known as co-host of the NBC show Today— her 60th birthday was made extra special by some encouraging words from her friend Sandra Bullock.
Kotb celebrated her 60th birthday on Friday, August 9th and was treated to a special birthday celebration on Monday, August 12th. Today with Hoda and Jenna. The episode featured a surprise video message from Bullock that offered some words of wisdom. The actress spoke about her own experience of turning 60 in July 2024 and assured her that the milestone is “pretty awesome.”
“I had so many amazing and fun things planned for you that would be awesome, but you know, girl, I’m just too tired,” Bullock said. “I’m tired because I had to go up the mountain before you got there so I could look at the grounds and see what everything looks like and just get a feel for it so I can fill you in. And it’s weird because people seem to want us to be scared of what it might look like when we get there.” Bullock added, “It turns out it’s pretty damn awesome.”
Bullock also praised Kotb for being “so incredible to so many people.” She continued, “What you do for a living and how you have to change your form every day, how you navigate your kindness even when it’s not given to you. How you are to those you care about and how you keep them safe and just who you are as a human being. We are all so lucky to have you, especially your children.”
Bullock, who adopted her own son and daughter in her late 40s, inspired Kotb and showed her that it’s never too late to start a family. Kotb also became a mother later in life, adopting her first child, Haley, now 7, in 2017 at age 52. She then adopted her second child, Hope, now 4, in 2019.
“The reason I have Haley and Hope is because I was looking for inspiration from someone who was a mother at my age,” Kotb said. “Sanda Bullock showed up and I called her and said, ‘Tell me about motherhood.’ And she said, ‘It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.'” Kotb added, “From that moment on, she paved the way to these two girls.”
Kotb and Bullock bonded over their shared experiences as mothers, but also their mutual strength as successful women. Bullock ended her birthday message by saying, “Happy birthday, my sweet friend. Thank you for letting me be in your circle. I’m very grateful. And I set up your bar up here so we can enjoy the view. It’s quite beautiful.””
For Hoda Kotb’s 60th birthday, her friend Sandra Bullock sent a heartfelt video message, assuring her that aging is actually “pretty great.”
Hoda Kotb gets a surprising birthday message from Sandra Bullock! pic.twitter.com/vM7PsM99F6
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) 12 August 2024
Hoda Kotb: Instagram | X
h/t: (People)
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