Today host Hoda Kotb breaks down in tears live on air during emotional reunion with a surprise guest to mark her 60th birthday

Hoda Kotb burst into tears Monday morning when her Today colleagues organized a surprise reunion for her, live on the radio, in honor of her 60th birthday.

The TV host, who celebrated a new decade with her family at her Long Island home on Friday, fought back tears as Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin showed her a montage of video messages from people whose lives she had touched.

As the clip played, Hoda became extra emotional when a man named Bart Conley appeared on screen and introduced himself as the husband of a woman named Jill, whom Hoda met in the Cayman Islands while she was battling breast cancer.

As soon as she heard Bart’s voice, Hoda — dressed in a bright orange blouse and dark blue jeans — quickly turned away from the camera and wiped her eyes as she tried to calm herself down while Savannah, 52, rubbed her arm and tried to comfort her.

As the story of Hoda and Jill’s friendship unfolded on screen, the mother of two could be seen wiping her eyes and taking deep breaths, clearly bringing back painful memories from when Jill passed away in 2016 at the age of 38.

The TV presenter couldn’t hide her emotions when a man named Bart Conley appeared on the screen

A little later, Hoda was surprised by Craig and Savannah, who told her that Bart was live in the studio, along with a father and daughter who met her years ago through cancer, and a couple she surprised live on the radio with adoption news.

When Hoda greeted Bart, she gave him a long hug and pressed his head sweetly against hers. Then they told each other a sweet story about the first time they met, together with Jill.

Bart began, “You both had breast cancer and the grace with which you supported us and we always felt so connected to you from the beginning, like a real friend, not like a celebrity on TV.

“I remember going to lunch with you and you guys just got along really well. I felt so comfortable and it meant so much to us that you shared our story with us.”

Hoda added: ‘Remember when Jill was in the Cayman Islands and she said to me, ‘I have X amount of months to live,’ and when I pulled her up she said, ‘I’ll never forget it,’ and she pointed to you and said, ‘I’m the luckiest person in the world,’ and then her voice broke.

“It’s one of those things that’s etched in your heart forever. I remember what she said about you, it’s beautiful,” Hoda continued.

After Jill’s death in early February 2016, Hoda (now known as X) shared a photo of herself with Bart and Jill on Twitter, captioning it, “I’ll miss my friend @JillsWish — a brave fighter #heartbroken.”

Today began chronicling Jill’s story in 2013, when a chance meeting led to the special friendship between her and Hoda.

Hoda posted this photo of her with Bart and Jill when she heard that Jill had sadly passed away in February 2016

Hoda gave Bart a big hug when he surprised her in the Today studio on Monday morning

Hoda was also surprised by a father-daughter duo named Devon and Leah Still, and a couple named Frank and Stacey Parrado, and their daughter, Addison (right)

Hoda and Jill were introduced at a gala in the Cayman Islands, raising money and awareness for breast cancer programs.

Hoda was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2007 at the age of 43. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery the following month. Since then, she has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness.

During a March 2023 episode of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she spoke about her decision to go public with her diagnosis, saying, “When I was diagnosed, [in 2007]I wasn’t going to say anything about it and I wanted to forget about it, but someone encouraged me to say something about it.’

She went on to explain that there were “so many benefits” to going public with her diagnosis, but “the only downside is that people look at you with pity. And I have to say, for me personally, that’s one of the hardest looks to ever get.”