Kotb chokes up over Gifford death on 'Today'
Hoda Kotb opened the fourth hour of the Today show on Monday by remembering Frank Gifford, NFL legend and late husband of her co-host, Kathie Lee Gifford.
Jenna Bush Hager was on hand to fill in for Gifford, who is mourning her husband after his death on Sunday.
"She (Kathie Lee) was so grateful for the outpouring of love and affection," said Kotb, who said she had spoken to her friend since the news broke. "Not only from the NFL, but people here from NBC."
Kotb also spoke of the connecting power of Twitter. "It's been such a place for people to talk about what a wonderful guy Frank was."
In lieu of flowers, Kotb mentioned that the Gifford family is requesting donations to Cassidy's Place, a school named after Frank and Kathie Lee's daughter that the couple created to help disadvantaged children.
She doubted Kathie Lee was watching, but even so she sent a message to her friend and morning-show sidekick. "I miss you, I love you," she said, choking back tears.
Kotb also thanked Hager, who is due soon to give birth to her second child, for stepping in at the last minute. "The end and the beginning are so close together and so often," she remarked.