NEW YORK — In a memorable segment on Today with Hoda & Jenna that aired January 8, 2025, viewers were treated to a heartfelt—and hilarious—farewell moment as country superstar Blake Shelton dialed in to surprise co-host Hoda Kotb. The lighthearted exchange quickly became a viral TV moment, as Shelton recounted an unexpected story from a Nashville party that left Kotb—and her fans—speechless.
A Nashville Encounter, Reimagined
It was co-host Jenna Bush Hager who set the stage, teasing Kotb about her longtime admiration for Shelton. “Hoda was in love with you for many years. I think she’s let that go, but she still adores you, and I know you adore her,” Hager grinned as she introduced Shelton, 48, to Kotb, 60, via surprise video call.
Seizing the moment, Shelton launched into his story. “It’s funny, too, that you talked about Hoda saying I was her first love or whatever. I did run into her in Nashville one time, off camera, it had nothing to do with television or anything. And I thought it was going to be our moment,” he laughed. “But she completely ran away from me. I mean, she ran away from me like totally afraid of me.”
A visibly stunned Kotb protested, “Wait, wait. What?!” prompting Shelton to double down: “Yes, remember at the number ones party I was like, ‘Hoda, you’re here!’ And you were like, ‘I gotta go!’” The recollection left Kotb and Hager roaring with laughter—even if Kotb herself couldn’t quite remember fleeing from the future Voice coach.
Dismissing Romance Rumors with a Smile
Never one to miss an opportunity for fun, Hager pushed the playful banter further. She asked Shelton whether he would have “shot his shot” with Kotb if she hadn’t darted away that night—teasing that this was “before Gwen [Stefani], let’s just put that out there.” Shelton, who married Stefani in 2021, took it all in stride, delivering a swift, cheeky denial: “Okay, Jenna, let’s just slow your roll a little bit. I’m just saying I saw Hoda in Nashville and she ran away from me at a party. That’s all I’m saying.”
As Hager insisted, “Blake, you tried to kiss her at that party. I felt it,” Shelton laughed off the claim. “You can’t act like that on TV anymore,” he quipped, ensuring the exchange remained fun and free of real scandal.
A Farewell Full of Fond Memories
Beyond the banter, the segment touched on the genuine friendship between Kotb and Shelton. Kotb reminisced about a moment from 2010, when Shelton guest-hosted Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda and serenaded her with his guitar—an experience Kotb described as “the first time I felt like someone was singing to me.” The clip, replayed during the broadcast, underscored their authentic on-screen chemistry and brought a wave of nostalgia to the studio.
As Kotb’s final week on Today drew to a close, Shelton offered heartfelt advice: “I do know you’re not going to disappear because I’ve been there. But I do know that a break is going to be awesome for you. And I can’t wait to see what you do next. I love you.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Affection
Kotb, who is leaving Today after 17 years to focus on family and launch a new wellness venture, has been candid about the overwhelming support she’s received from colleagues and viewers during her farewell “Hoda-bration.” She revealed she’s saving fan-made signs and mementos for her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, to enjoy in the future. “One day my kids are going to unroll them and go, ‘What did you used to do?’ I’ll be like, ‘Look, it’s a long story.’”
Over the years, Kotb’s playful admiration for Shelton has provided some of the show’s most charming moments—including the time she dressed up as the singer for Halloween in 2017. This latest exchange, bursting with warmth and wit, served as a fitting tribute to their enduring camaraderie.
While the Nashville party may not have delivered the storybook moment Shelton joked about, the real legacy is the laughter and mutual respect shared on—and off—screen.
