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Hoda Kotb opens up about embarrassing moment that left her 'crushed'

Look at where the NBC star is now!

hoda kotb friendzone
Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
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Hoda Kotb often shares glimpses into her personal life when on Today or Today with Hoda and Jenna, opening up recently about a rather embarrassing childhood memory.

MORE: Hoda Kotb's new TV role revealed - meet her co-stars

On a recent installment of the show without her usual co-host Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda talked to replacement co-star Willie Geist about being stuck in the friend-zone.

VIDEO: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager host New Year's Eve Special

"I feel like I was always seen as the friend," she said. "When someone would approach at the dance, I would think 'it's happening, it's happening,' and they're like 'hey, do you think your friend would dance with me if I asked?'"

"No!" Willie replied, supporting her by saying: "It's hard to believe sitting here today."

MORE: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager's stand-in hosts get Today viewers talking

Hoda then launched into a story she described as "super painful," opening up about an incident when she was at a party.

"We were playing spin the bottle, we were in seventh grade, just for the kiss. Spun the bottle, it landed on a guy named Todd, and I had never been more excited."

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Hoda opened up to co-host Willie about being in the friend-zone

"Do you know what he said?" she asked, which left Willie feeling quite anxious. She responded: "He said 'I think that's going a little too far.' It was a bone crusher."

Her co-host immediately said, in a mocking tone: "Where's Todd now? Todd, where you at, Todd?" which left Hoda in hysterics.

MORE: Hoda Kotb inspires Kim Kardashian with her parenting style during much-anticipated interview

MORE: Hoda Kotb marks special work milestone on Today with much-loved co-star

She continued: "I do remember thinking in that moment, oh my god, I don't think I fit, I don't know where my place is. For everybody who's ever been the weird one, we know what you feel like!"

Willie lifted Hoda up by adding: "The moral of the story is that someday you turn out to be Hoda Kotb," to which some of the other people in the studio responded by cheering.

hoda kotb jenna bush hager© Photo: Getty Images

Hoda has been hosting without Jenna as she recovers from COVID

Fans rushed to support Hoda as well, calling out Todd with comments like: "Big mistake Todd!! HUGE!"

The NBC star has been hosting her hour-long segment of the show without her close friend and co-star Jenna, who tested positive for COVID earlier in the week.

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