Joel Schiffman Makes a Rare Appearance on "Today," Leaving Hoda Kotb in Tears

From Prevention

Thursday was a day in the history books for Today's Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. The Today with Hoda & Jenna co-hosts had their very first live studio audience, after announcing that the fourth hour is moving to Studio 6A in Rockefeller Plaza for the Thursday and Friday shows.

To celebrate, Jenna and Hoda's friends and family came out to support them at their first live shooting, which was filled with hugs, smiles, high-fives, cheering, and even some tears.

"This may seem weird at home—we're weeping,'' Hoda said to start the show. "This is kind of a big day for us." To make things even more emotional, both Hoda and Jenna's families surprised them in the audience, leaving the co-hosts in tears.

When Hoda first noticed that her fiancé Joel Schiffman was sitting in the audience, she laughed and broke into tears. Joel also started crying, and the two shared a few kisses and embraced. Even though it was Joel's debut appearance on Today, he got a special shoutout from the popular co-hosts during their show.

"You know when there are big moments in your life? It's your wedding, it's your first job, it's the kids are running around. Sometimes you need to take one second and just literally sit in the moment," Hoda said. "You guys, thank you for coming, for traveling from all around."

"Y'all know what Hoda said to me on the way in? She goes, this is our wedding day. Joel, we're practicing for you, okay?" Jenna added. (Joel proposed to Hoda in November during their vacation to Mexico.)

"By the way, look at Joel. Can I just say something? When everybody is busy in life, they're busy. Joel had a really, really, really super busy day at work and I didn't even ask him to come. I didn't bring it up and I didn't want him to feel bad and say he can't come so I didn't bring it up," Hoda shared on the show. "And then, I sent him a text and said, 'If you want to come any Thursday.' And he said, 'How about this Thursday? I'm so glad you asked.'" So sweet!

Jenna's husband Henry Hager was also in the audience. "Henry, you came, too, and you know what? My mom calls Henry the saint, which that sort of implies that I'm not easy to be married to. But Hank, I love you," Jenna said. "Thanks for coming," she said to her husband.

But the surprises didn't stop there.

At the end of the show, which by the way included a visit from Oprah Winfrey, Jenna and Hoda's daughters surprised them by running onto the stage. Poppy and Mila ran into Jenna's arms, while Joel handed Haley Joy to Hoda. Baby Hal and Hope Catherine didn't make it, but I'm sure they're proud of their mamas. It looks like day one of Hoda & Jenna & Friends was a success!

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