In a surprising turn of events, country music star Blake Shelton shared an amusing anecdote about renowned broadcaster Hoda Kotb during her final week on Today with Hoda and Jenna. The 48-year-old artist reminisced about an unexpected meeting with Kotb at a party in Nashville years ago. This revelation left Kotb astonished and brought laughter to the show's hosts. The segment highlighted the enduring admiration between the two celebrities while adding a humorous twist to Kotb's farewell.

An Unplanned Meeting in Music City

The story unfolded when co-host Jenna Bush Hager mentioned that Kotb had harbored a long-standing affection for Shelton. In response, Shelton recalled a memorable encounter at a Nashville gathering. He described how he thought this moment could be significant, only for Kotb to unexpectedly flee the scene. This recollection sparked surprise and amusement among the audience and hosts alike.

Shelton detailed the incident further, explaining that it occurred off-camera and had nothing to do with their professional lives. At a celebration in Nashville, he approached Kotb, excited to see her. However, instead of engaging in conversation, she quickly excused herself, leaving Shelton bewildered. "I thought it was going to be our moment," Shelton chuckled, "but she ran away from me like she was totally afraid." Kotb was visibly shocked by this revelation, gasping in disbelief at the unexpected memory.

Kotb's Farewell and Shelton's Reflections

As Kotb prepares to conclude her nearly 18-year tenure on Today, Shelton's anecdote added a lighthearted note to her farewell. The segment showcased the mutual respect and admiration between the two personalities, despite the humorous misunderstanding. Kotb even joked that she would not leave parties early once she retires, adding a touch of humor to the occasion.

Bush Hager playfully asked Shelton if there might have been a romantic opportunity at the time, to which Shelton responded with a laugh, urging her to "slow your roll." He reiterated that the encounter was simply an unexpected moment where Kotb chose to leave abruptly. The exchange provided a heartwarming and humorous send-off for Kotb as she approaches the end of her illustrious career on Today.