‘Today Show’ Star Hoda Kotb Gets Surprise Birthday Song on Twitter From Dolly Parton
Hoda Kotb just celebrated her 56th birthday on August 9, 2020. Receiving an onslaught of celebratory wishes in person and on social media, the Today Show star got a special greeting from music icon Dolly Parton.
‘9 to 5’ star gives marriage advice to Hoda Kotb
Appearing on Today in April, Parton shared some words of wisdom with Kotb on maintaining a happy marriage during quarantine.
“I would say if you’re trapped in the house with him, you might want to be in separate rooms,” Parton jokingly told the NBC anchor, according to Today. “The reason it worked for me is because I’ve stayed gone. I can’t get away now. I’m stuck there now. I might find out who he is. We may not make it until the next anniversary.”
At the time, Parton was approaching her 54th wedding anniversary to husband Carl Dean. With Kotb engaged to longtime boyfriend Joel Schiffman and in the midst of wedding plans, the Steel Magnolias star noted the importance of humor in a marriage.
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“We both are very crazy people, and we have a completely different sense of humor, but we just absolutely laugh all the time and that’s been true through the years,” Parton said of her relationship with Dean. “I think there’s a whole lot to be said about being good friends, but a good sense of humor, like even right now during these times I’ve been making jokes about some of the stuff. … laughter truly is the best medicine, and it’s true with relationships as well.'”
Dolly Parton gets into the greeting e-card biz
In May 2020, Parton announced her partnership with American Greetings. The collaboration puts Parton center stage in presenting custom made e-cards for birthday wishes.
“I’ve partnered with @amgreetings to create ‘Birthday Time’ SmashUp ecards!” the country singer revealed on Instagram. “Share a personalized birthday card with your loved ones.”
“Cards are still a great way to connect because they’re more personal,” Parton said in a statement from American Greetings in July 2020. “It touches your heart, and hopefully my cards will always touch your heart.”
In addition, the greeting card company launched the Dolly Parton Greeting Card Collection exclusively at Walmart. The assortment offers 20 cards created to exude the legendary singer’s trademark personality and warm spirit. It comes as no surprise that the Parton partnership is a hit.
“As anticipated, since launching in May, the Dolly Parton SmashUp has been the most sent ecard on both sites where it’s offered,” Rob Matousek, Executive Director/GM – Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings, said in the statement. “We expect a similar response to the fantastic Dolly Parton greeting cards now available at Walmart.”
Hoda Kotb gets a Twitter surprise
Apparently, Kotb became a prime recipient of Parton’s new online birthday serenade. Complete with backup singers and “Hoda” in neon lights, Parton sang a birthday song set to the tune of her classic “9 to 5.” The music icon called out the Today star saying, “That’s right Hoda, this one’s for you.”
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Kotb’s reaction? She didn’t make any effort to hide her excitement. “Omg omg omg,” the NBC journalist tweeted back. Thank you @DollyParton.”
Though Kotb surely received an abundance of birthday wishes, it’s a safe bet that Parton’s song is one of her faves.
