Hoda Kotbe overcome with emotion following Drew Brees interview

Hoda Kotbe was overcome with emotion following an interview with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who recently donated $5 million dollars to fight COVID-19.

Anyone who has ever watched the ‘Today’ show can tell you that co-host, Hoda Kotbe often demonstrates her big heart and she did so again today. Kotbe was finishing up an interview with New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees when she became visibly upset.

Kotbe was talking to Brees about his recent donation of $5 million dollars to the state of Louisiana to help feed those in need during the Coronavirus pandemic. As Kotbe, who lived in New Orleans throughout the 90s, was wrapping the interview, she told Brees “Drew we love ya!” Brees responded, “Love you too, Hoda.” Kotbe had started to transition to the next segment when it appeared she heard Bees’ reply and suddenly became so emotional she was unable to speak.

Kotbe’s co-host, Savanah Guthrie, who was working from home, immediately stepped in to support her co-host.

“Hoda, I know it’s a lot,” Guthrie said. “Hoda, I’m so sorry, hon. Take a moment. It’s a lot. I know where your heart is, my dear, I do.”

You can see the exchange below.

New Orleans has the largest surge of coronavirus cases per-capita in the country so the Brees’ donation is greatly needed as the state tries to navigate health and economic the fallout from the pandemic.

As for Kotbe, her reaction is understandable. Her New Orleans roots aside, it can sometimes be easy to forget the folks on the television reading us the news are people who are also dealing with the same fear and uncertainty the rest of us are experiencing.

Later in the show, Kotbe discussed the Brees interview in detail with Guthrie.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.