Hoda Kotb Cries on ‘Today’ as Jenna Fischer From ‘The Office’ Recounts Her Cancer Recovery

Hoda Kotb has been a beacon of light for many people, including actress Jenna Fischer.

On the Monday, October 21, episode of Today, Fischer, 50, shared how Kotb, 60, was a source of inspiration for her as she recovered from breast cancer. The starlet sported a pixie cut as she recounted her recovery.

“After my surgery, I’m, you know, recovering. I watched the Today show,” The Office actress explained. “I got up out of bed, and I sat on the bench at the end of my bed with a cup of coffee and my big ole pillow, and I would watch you and Savannah [Guthrie] and Jenna [Bush Hager] and all the fellas, and you kept me company.”

The beloved broadcaster smiled, put her hand on her chest, and wiped tears off her face as the sitcom star told her Kotb was the person she pictured telling her cancer journey to.

“I thought if I ever get a chance to tell this story, I want to talk to you because I know there’s a lady right now who’s sitting on a bench at the end of her bed with her pillow, and she’s wondering ‘what’s next for me?’ and I just want to be like ‘no you’re going to get off that bench’,” the Blades of Glory actress stated.

“Just like this girl right here!” the journalist chimed in, pointing to Fischer.

“Just like I did!” Fischer exclaimed. “‘You’re going to get your life back. You’re not even going to believe all the beauty and wonder that is ahead of you through this journey.’”

Earlier this month, the Emmy-nominated actress revealed via Instagram that she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer in December 2023 — for which she had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She also announced she was cancer-free as of writing her post.

Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and subsequently underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She has been cancer-free ever since.

In September, the long-running morning show host announced she would be leaving Today. Her official last day has not yet been determined, but it will be sometime in early 2025.