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As a main co-anchor on the Today show, Hoda Kotb also has anchored on NBC's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade over the years. However, her tenure hosting the morning show will soon be coming to an end. Kotb's final appearance will be on January 10, 2025, with Craig Melvin set to replace her, making this year's Thanksgiving parade her last.
In honor of Kotb's time hosting Today and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, here is a look back at some of her best moments at the fan-favorite event.
Signaling to her daughters
During the 2023 parade, Kotb gave her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, a hidden signal in an attempt to make them laugh. Kotb smiled and rubbed her teeth, exaggerating the expression so it wouldn't go unnoticed. "Millions at home and in the crowd are watching in anticipation and are about to go wild," she said.
Kotb also hinted at the move during the previous day's episode of Today, stating, "Every year, I do a signal for my kids so that they know that Momma is looking at them."
Power Rangers balloon
Although Kotb was still with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman during the airing of the 2019 parade, she hilariously commented on the physique of a Power Rangers balloon. She referred to the red superhero as "brave and muscular," according to TV Line.
However, she struggled with some of the other balloons that same year, specifically when it came to pronouncing the names of Dragon Ball Z characters.
Kotb's debut year
Kotb started co-hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2018 — replacing Matt Lauer for the first time since 1998 following his sexual harassment allegations.
The Pandemic parade
In 2020, Kotb still appeared at the parade, but things were a little different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside Roker and Savannah Guthrie, the event was pre-recorded in New York. Unlike most years, the balloons did not move but were instead parked in front of the Macy's flagship store on 34th street. Jimmy Fallon and The Roots opened that year with a special performance.
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