Hoda Kotb Receives Portrait Drawn By Former President George W. Bush As 60th Birthday Present From Co-Host Jenna Bush Hager; WATCH

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As an ardent admirer of Hoda Kotb, witnessing her journey through life and television has been nothing short of inspiring. Her 60th birthday this year was not just another milestone, but a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering love for her family. The portrait painted by George W. Bush, featuring Hoda with her two daughters, Hope and Haley, was the cherry on top of an already memorable celebration.

As a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, I can genuinely appreciate the unique bond that exists between mothers and their daughters. Having raised my own children, I know firsthand the depth of love and admiration that can develop between a parent and child. That’s why the heartwarming gesture by George W. Bush to paint a portrait of Hoda Kotb with her two daughters touched me deeply.

Hager asked Kotb, “I requested my dad, who enjoys painting, to create a picture of your favorite photo.” Upon unwrapping it, Kotb flipped the artwork to reveal a depiction of herself with Hope and Haley standing before a line of leafless trees. The former U.S. president had signed the corner with the number 43 in red paint.

Despite already being emotional during the segment, the moment Hala unveiled the painting, I couldn’t hold back my tears. She exclaimed, “It’s too much, it’s too much. We need to go to a video, it’s too much.” It was evident that even Bush recognized Kotb’s profound affection for her children when she reacted so strongly to such a thoughtful present. I adore those kids just as deeply as Hala does.

In February 2017, when Kotb was 52 years old, she became a mother via adoption with her former partner, Joel Schiffman, by welcoming their daughter Haley Joy into their lives. Two years later, in April 2019, she expanded her family by adopting Hope Catherine as her second child.

In 2007, when she learned about her breast cancer diagnosis, a woman who already had two children made the decision to adopt instead of trying to conceive. Though she’d longed to become a mother, Kotb wasn’t initially sure if she could handle the responsibilities that came with it.

Besides the heartfelt present bestowed by Hager’s father, the television journalist, Kotb, additionally received birthday wishes from her family, friends, and supporters, among them actress Sandra Bullock. As a special treat, she was serenaded with a performance of “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” one of her favorite songs.

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2024-08-13 16:38