Internet pours support on ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb as she suffers 'medical emergency' during live segment

Beloved host Hoda Kotb recently had a medical emergency on Thursday’s segment of ‘Hoda with Jenna’ as she interrupted the live show
PUBLISHED FEB 2, 2024
Hoda Kotb interrupts live segment on 'Today' show as she suffers from a medical emergency (@hodaandjenna/Twitter)
Hoda Kotb interrupts live segment on 'Today' show as she suffers from a medical emergency (@hodaandjenna/Twitter)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today’s beloved host Hoda Kotb recently had a 'medical emergency' on Thursday’s segment of ‘Hoda with Jenna’ as she interrupted the live show.

During her appearance alongside co-host Jenna Bush Hager on the NBC morning show, Kotb shared the unusual predicament of losing a contact lens in the cavity of her left eye.

As Kotb attempted to address the situation by adjusting her eye, Hager playfully declared it a "medical emergency" in a lighthearted manner.



 

Hoda Kotb’s medical emergency

Hoda Kotb encountered a minor "medical emergency" during Thursday's episode of ‘Today With Hoda and Jenna.’ She found herself in a humorous situation with two contact lenses stuck on a single eye.

She said towards the end of the segment, “I think I have a contact stuck in my eye way up here. I don't think I took it out last night and I can't find it. It feels like it's in there!"

Kotb continued as she kept rubbing her eyes, “I'm not kidding. I was going to go to the eye doctor but I didn't have time."

Hager provided support but found herself unsure of how to assist.



 

In a light-hearted turn, Kotb then turned to the audience, seeking advice on how to handle the situation.

She asked, “Maybe people have tricks on how to get it out, because I'm sure people have had contacts that have rolled up. How do I get it out? I've tried? If you guys know, will you post on X? I just want to get it out!"

The show went to commercial, and upon its return for the second segment, Hager revealed that the situation had not improved; in fact, it had gotten worse.

She said, “We have breaking news: Hoda has now lost all eyesight because her other contact fell out. I'm going to go ahead and read and hopefully when the health person comes, we can resolve this issue."

During this time, Kotb examined her eye with a handheld mirror in an attempt to identify the issue.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)


 

Frustrated, she exclaimed, "There are two in there, I'm not kidding."

Seeking a solution, she tested a tip submitted by a fan, involving looking down and pulling on her eyelid.

Fortunately, the fan-suggested technique proved successful, prompting Kotb to express her gratitude, stating, "That was so crazy, that was the best advice!"

Kotb told Hager, “I can only see you. Everything looks super fuzzy. It looks like a bunch of mushed up colors. This is real weird. I'm totally dependent on you 100 percent. Not reading is not easy. I can't read anything!"

With Kotb still grappling with the contact lens situation, Hager had to step in, although she expressed her dissatisfaction with the role reversal.

Uncomfortable with the shift, she remarked, "I don't like this feeling. I like to be partners with you. Let's hope that a doctor arrives in the next couple of minutes, and Hoda is able to see!"

Meanwhile, Kotb humorously added, "I just need one more contact."

While a doctor didn't make an appearance, Oscar winner Ariana DeBose did. She unexpectedly emerged before her interview, holding contacts in hand to assist a very grateful Kotb.

In a light-hearted moment, Kotb joked with DeBose, saying, "I'll take your glasses too!"

Hoda Kotb loses her contact lens live on air and couldn't read her lines (@hodaandjenna/Twitter)
Hoda Kotb loses her contact lens live on air and couldn't read her lines (@hodaandjenna/Twitter)

Internet support Hoda Kotb on her ‘medical emergency’

Many people on the internet expressed their support to Hoda Kotb.

One person wrote, “Always manages to put a smile on my face!You both are the best duo on tv!!So much love!❤️🥰❤️,” and another said, “It’s the worst. I feel you ❤️.”

An Instagram user said, “They’re both too funny. It’s so real. We’ve all done this!” and another wrote, “Omg they are so funny, but I’m gagging🤣.”

One more ‘Today’ fan said, “You both are the best!! 😅I love watching you. Both such real, genuine people who make others laugh daily. It’s so much appreciated!! ❤️,” and another added, “Never a dull moment with you 2 ladies ❤️❤️ love ya both 😂.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025