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Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The Today cast had a special surprise for Hoda Kotb on her 53rd birthday. Kathie Lee Gifford, Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Chanel Jones brought Kotb to tears by singing "Happy Birthday" and presenting her with a cake on Wednesday's episode.
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Kotb told her co-anchors the surprise was especially touching because it was her first birthday as a mom to her daughter, Haley Joy.
"This time last year, I didn't have Haley, and I get to celebrate my birthday with a little girl," the star explained.
"Anyway, I'm sorry, but it's so awesome. I'm bursting," she gushed. "Thank you. This is an awesome birthday for so many reasons."
Kotb shared a positive message on Instagram while wishing her followers a "Happy Wednesday" prior to the episode.
"What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet," the post reads.
Kotb adopted Hayley in February, and will raise the infant with boyfriend Joel Schiffman. She shared a photo of her family at the beach Monday.
