'I Didn't Even Recognize Her': Kathie Lee Gifford's Appearance on Hoda Kotb's Final 'Today' Episode Draws Mixed Reactions

Kathie Lee Gifford dazzled on the "Today with Jenna & Friends" episode, stirring online buzz as one viewer likened her striking look to a famous musician.

Kathie Lee Gifford surprised Hoda Kotb during her final day on the "Today with Jenna & Friends" show on January 10. While her appearance added elegance to the occasion, a video shared online sparked mixed reactions from netizens.

In the video, Jenna Bush Hager told Hoda Kotb that a close friend had sent her a special message. A screen then appeared, showing Gifford speaking from Tennessee. The 71-year-old TV personality reflected on their shared memories and the joy of their bond.

"I always loved hugging you and just drenched in that beautiful sunshine of a smile you have," she said warmly. Apologizing for her absence, she joked, "I am sorry to miss your big day. But you know I am very busy. Very busy, very important. Not!" She ended the message, "I love you, sweetheart! So excited for you."

As the video ended, Bush Hager surprised Kotb further by revealing that Gifford's recorded message from Tennessee was a "lie," catching her off guard and adding to the emotional moment.

Gifford stepped into the studio dressed in a black lace dress, exuding timeless sophistication. Her long, wavy blonde hair and subtle makeup enhanced her radiant appearance.

Pink and purple balloons adorned the studio, creating a festive atmosphere. Gifford stood confidently amid the decorations and later joined Kotb and Bush Hager for an emotional conversation.

Gifford's appearance on "Today with Jenna & Friends" came shortly after the announcement that Scarlett Johansson would join the show as a guest co-host starting January 21.

Bush Hager revealed the news to People on January 7, describing Johansson's involvement as a "wild dream" and highlighting how it reflected the show's growing appeal. She also noted that it marked the Marvel star's first time hosting a daytime program.

The 43-year-old TV host gushed, "Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I've been obsessed with her movies since forever. 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring,' I mean that shows you I'm a nerd who loves to read. She's also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common."

Bush Hager also teased that the show had "fun things" prepared with Johansson, further building excitement for her debut. Kotb echoed this enthusiasm, "First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person."

Kotb recalled how Bush Hager had immediately recognized Johansson's potential to excel as a guest host during her previous appearance on the show. Building on this confidence, Bush Hager expressed her excitement, "I think we're gonna have a blast."

The program's new format follows Hoda Kotb's departure on January 10, a move she first announced on September 26 of last year.

Producers introduced a rotating lineup of celebrity co-hosts, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer, to bring fresh perspectives before Johansson's debut as a guest co-host.

Bush Hager emphasized the importance of featuring guests from diverse fields. "And I think that really is what we're hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer," she explained.

As Johansson geared up for her debut, "Today" audiences were still coming to terms with Kotb's exit from the show. Reports suggested that financial negotiations may have played a role in her decision to leave.

Sources indicated that NBC had proposed a pay cut for Kotb, who earned more than $20 million annually, as part of a broader industry trend to reduce salaries or eliminate roles.

The network announced that Craig Melvin, a familiar face on "Today" for nearly 14 years, took over Kotb's role as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, beginning January 13.

The changes have been especially emotional for Bush Hager, who described Kotb as "the best" and a "generous partner," admitting the transition feels bittersweet.

"Obviously, I've had months to wrap my head around it, although I cannot promise that our last Hoda-bration won't also be filled with tears. I'm sure it will be just because I can't help it," said Bush Hager.

Amid the emotional messages for Kotb, Gifford's January 10 appearance on "Today with Jenna & Friends" drew mixed reactions online. Some praised her timeless beauty, while others speculated about cosmetic enhancements.

"I didn't even recognize her she's done way too much with her face," one commenter noted. Someone else exclaimed, "Botox!" while another speculated, "Loads of Plastic surgery there Kathy. Gotta own your real age one day."

Some netizens jokingly questioned cosmetic changes among public figures, while others compared Gifford's appearance to that of pop star Mariah Carey.

Amidst the critiques, others shared positive sentiments. "She looks so good!!!" wrote one admirer, followed by another declaring, "Kathie Lee looks better than ever. BRAVO! [sic]" Another gushed, "Kathie Lee is so pretty."

One viewer praised Gifford's unique presence and her unwavering support for colleagues during pivotal moments, referencing her appearances for both Kotb and the late TV presenter Regis Philbin.

Despite the divided reactions online, Gifford seemed fully present as she joined in celebrating Kotb's final day on the show.

In a separate interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on "The Dr. Oz Show," Gifford offered a glimpse into the personal and professional reasons behind her transformation.

Gifford explained that her weight loss stemmed from preparing for a movie role she had written for herself and Craig Ferguson.

"The character is named Annabelle, and she's a newly widowed. And she is a runner...she deals with her pain by—She's always been a runner but she deals with it by...running. I started getting in training for that long before I started shooting the movie," she said.

Grief also played a significant role following the death of her husband, Frank Gifford, in 2015. "I'd lost weight right after my own husband had passed away because that's why they call it a diet—they die, and you don't want to eat... I don't even remember eating after Frank passed," she shared, adding that she has never been a big eater.

In a 2017 interview with Prevention, she reflected on aging with gratitude. "All day long, life is about choice. Am I going to bemoan the fact that I'm 64 years old or say, 'Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64'? I'm healthy, I'm employed, my kids are awesome, life is good. I'm grateful. I think the most important reason to love your age is to be grateful for everything," Gifford shared.

Gifford added with her signature humor, "If you grieve what you've lost in life at the expense of being grateful for what you have, you might as well take a dirt nap."