Sometimes, words are better when they’re said three times—especially when they come from Blake Shelton. 

The country superstar and The Voice coach once melted Hoda Kotb’s heart on national television with a simple yet heartfelt declaration: “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

This sweet moment happened during a special episode of the fourth hour of TODAY in the summer of 2018, when Kotb co-hosted the show alongside Shelton. 

Instead of their usual studio setting, the pair took the show on the road to Nashville, broadcasting live from Shelton’s own bar, Ole Red. 

The episode was a country-music lover’s dream, filled with fun, laughter, and of course, plenty of Southern charm. 

But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Shelton’s touching words for Kotb.

After Kotb introduced him to viewers, Shelton took a moment to express his excitement about co-hosting alongside her. “Now can I say something?” he asked. “I’m sitting here with Hoda. I’m sitting here with Hoda! At Ole Red, my bar, this is really happening! This is like an out-of-body experience, I’ve been thinking about this forever—I’ve been dreaming about this for months.”

Kotb tried to interject, but Shelton continued, looking straight at her. “I love you,” he said with a warm smile. “I love you. I love you.”

Overwhelmed by the unexpected declaration, Kotb was left momentarily speechless, simply beaming from ear to ear. After collecting herself, she managed to respond, calling it the “best day ever.” The moment showcased their genuine admiration for each other and solidified their friendship in the eyes of TODAY fans.

Hoda Kotb’s Longtime Crush on Blake Shelton

Kotb’s affection for Shelton wasn’t exactly a secret. She had previously admitted to having a “real, authentic crush” on him during a 2013 interview with Jay Leno. Given that history, it’s no surprise that she was visibly flustered and delighted by Shelton’s declaration of love during their TODAY special in 2018.

When Hoda Ran Away from Blake Shelton

Despite their easygoing friendship, Shelton later revealed that Kotb had once unintentionally snubbed him at a Nashville party. During a remote appearance on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Shelton recalled an off-camera encounter with Kotb that didn’t go as expected.

“You talked about Hoda saying I was her first love or whatever,” Shelton joked to co-host Jenna Bush Hager. “I ran into her in Nashville one time. Off-camera, had nothing to do with television or anything. I thought it was going to be our moment. And she completely ran away from me. I mean, she ran away from me, like, totally afraid of me.”

Hager quickly jumped in to defend Kotb, saying, “She’s not leaving parties early anymore.” Kotb, laughing at the memory, assured everyone that she had changed, responding, “I’ve changed. I’m totally not that girl anymore.”

A Friendship That Continues to Shine

Shelton and Kotb’s friendship has only grown stronger over the years. Whether they’re playfully teasing each other on TODAY, reminiscing about past encounters, or sharing heartfelt moments on live television, their bond is undeniable.

With Shelton’s quick wit and Southern charm and Kotb’s warmhearted personality, it’s no wonder that their interactions always leave fans smiling. Their friendship proves that sometimes, the best relationships in Hollywood aren’t romantic—they’re built on genuine admiration, laughter, and a whole lot of love.

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