'Today' Fans Rally Behind Hoda Kotb After Seeing Her Heartbreaking Instagram
Today show star Hoda Kotb posted a heartfelt Instagram of her late friend Jill Brzezinski-Conley, who died in 2016 after battling breast cancer.
Jill first appeared on the Today show back in 2013, where she shared details about her breast cancer battle to inspire others.
On the show, Hoda praised Jill's spirit and positive outlook on life.
Today show viewers are showing lots of support for Hoda Kotb right now.
On Thursday, the NBC anchor posted an emotional Instagram tribute to her late friend and cancer advocate Jill Brzezinski-Conley, who died in February 2016 after battling breast cancer. The photo from 2013 features Hoda, Jill, and Jill's husband, Bart Conley, having drinks together. It was the same picture Hoda shared on social media four years ago after Jill's death.
"You know when a picture pops up on your feed and it just hits you hard. This one hit me," Hoda, a breast cancer survivor, wrote. After reflecting on how much time had passed, Hoda recalled first meeting Jill at a breast cancer awareness event. "The doctors said you had months to live. I remember what you said to the group --- 'I'm the luckiest person in this room.. because I have him.' You pointed at your husband Bart. I miss you Jill."
After seeing Hoda's Instagram, many of her fans tried to comfort the Today star. "I’m so sorry that you lost your beautiful friend. I lost my sister to breast cancer. She fought so hard for almost 18 years. I’m thankful that you are well! ??," one fan shared. "What a beautiful picture and an even more beautiful memory.??," another said. A different fan wrote, "May she rest in peace. ????????."
Hoda first introduced Today show fans to Jill back in 2013 during the show's #InspiredBy series. "You know she's ill, and you know her time is limited, but somehow you want nothing more than to be like her," Hoda once said about Jill.
Five years ago, @hodakotb introduced us to Bart Conley and his wife, Jill.
Jill lost her battle with breast cancer in 2016, and now, Bart is a nurse after being inspired by the group that took care of Jill during her treatments. #PinkPowerTODAY pic.twitter.com/ck3K4Q5uoj— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 2, 2018
"When I look at Jill, all I see is the light from her eyes," Hoda said in 2013. "And I wanted to be in her aura, in her circle."
During the segment, Jill shared her secret for staying positive. "To me it's the word 'life,''' she explained. "I have life today … You just take every moment, and you cherish it. And don't worry about the stuff that you can't have. Focus on what you do have."
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