For her final Halloween as a cherished member of the Today show team, Hoda Kotb amazed her fans with an epic costume that stole the show. On Thursday, October 31, during the festive Halloween celebration on the plaza, Hoda, 60, transformed into Leonardo DiCaprio's iconic Jack Dawson, while her co-host Jenna Bush Hager, 42, embodied Kate Winslet's Rose DeWitt Bukater from the timeless movie Titanic.
"I trust you, Jack, with all my heart," Jenna declared to Hoda, as they recreated the film's unforgettable pose on the edge of a mock ship. "I'll never let you go," she vowed.
"Do you promise?" Hoda asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Rose, I love you. Step up here."
"I'm flying!" Jenna exclaimed, her spirits soaring. Hoda, in perfect character, responded with a triumphant, "I'm king of the world!"
This year, the Today hosts embraced a nostalgic "VHS Rewind" theme, dressing up as beloved characters from iconic films of the '90s and 2000s. Al Roker transformed into Beetlejuice, while Dylan Dreyer donned the attire of Lydia Deetz from the film. Carson Daly and Sheinelle Jones channeled Austin Powers and Foxxy Cleopatra from Austin Powers in Goldmember. Savannah Guthrie paid homage to Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and Luke Wilson made a surprise appearance as a special guest. Craig Melvin dressed as Eddie Murphy's Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop, while Peter Alexander transformed into Robin Williams' memorable Mrs. Doubtfire character. Laura Jarrett, meanwhile, embodied Isis from Bring It On.
This Halloween marks Hoda's bittersweet farewell to her Today colleagues, as she recently announced her departure from the show in early 2025. The beloved broadcaster has settled into a new neighborhood with her daughters, Haley and Hope, and expressed her excitement for Halloween in the suburbs.
"Halloween is such a joy in the suburbs," the proud mom of two shared on Today With Hoda & Jenna on October 18. "We used to trick-or-treat at CVS, the dry cleaners, and even a nail salon. My kids thought trick-or-treating meant walking into a store and having the clerk put candy in their bags."
"Everywhere I look in our town, there are big spiderwebs and all sorts of decorations," Hoda added. "They have parades and block parties. They told me, 'Your kid needs three Halloween costumes, or the first one will get ruined!'"
After wrapping up her duties at the Today show this Halloween, Hoda will likely return home to share in the fun with her girls. "Some people block off their streets for block parties, then go trick-or-treating, and come back," she revealed. "It's a days-long celebration."
Last year, for Today's Halloween extravaganza, Hoda and Jenna dressed as Sonny and Cher, taking the stage to lip-synch "I Got You Babe." Hoda's dedication to the show is just one of the many things her colleagues and fans will deeply miss when she leaves.
"Hoda has a unique bond with everyone on this couch," Sheinelle, 46, said after Hoda's departure announcement on September 26. "We're all grappling with it internally. But we also know how dynamic a mom you are and the incredible presence you bring. Your commitment to wellness and your entire movement will undoubtedly change the world. And we know it."
