The Today anchors are always there for each other and have a close bond both on and off screen - something that was apparent on Wednesday's episode of the NBC show.
During the Third Hour, co-hosts Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Laura Jarrett (who was filling in for Dylan Dreyer) made sure fellow host Jill Martin felt special ahead of her 50th birthday.
The anchors surprised Jill - who turns 50 on April 14 - with cupcakes and champagne after doing a shopping segment.
© InstagramLaura turned to Jill and said: "Before we go, we have a little something for you because there's a milestone birthday." The rest of the anchors then started singing Happy Birthday to Jill, as the treats were presented to her.
"Jill, we love you, we're so happy for you," Laura said, as Jill became overcome with emotion, bowing her head and crying. "Thank you, it's been a hell of a few years," Jill said as she composed herself. "So happy, 50 and fabulous," she added, as she raised her champagne glass.
Jill has endured a difficult few years, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. In January, she underwent her eighth surgery in January for emergency treatment following complications.
© NBCAt the time, she shared on Today: "Just when you think the fight is over, life reminds you that healing isn't always linear. "It's preventative and proactive — an emergency only in the sense that if we don't act now, it could turn into something much bigger. It's important to say this clearly: my cancer is not back."
Jill discovered she had breast cancer a week after testing positive for the BRCA gene. She underwent a double mastectomy shortly afterwards and had 16 lymph nodes removed. She underwent four months of chemotherapy which was followed by reconstructive surgery and three weeks of radiation. She also had a preventative procedure to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
© Getty ImagesIn October, Jill - who divorced husband Erik Brooks during her cancer treatment - shared a powerful message on social media as she reflected on her cancer journey.
"I'm still undergoing treatment to prevent breast cancer from returning, but it's focused on medications I can take at home. I'm on a hormone blocker to stop my body from producing estrogen, as well as a targeted therapy that helps prevent the recurrence of cancer cells," she wrote.
"While not as intense as some of the other treatments I received, these medications still cause side effects, including extreme joint and bone pain, which I continue to navigate."
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty I"I'm living in my new body, and I am grateful for the way my body fought for me. But it will never look the same," Jill added.
"This part of my body that I used to think of as sexy is now the badge of honor from a battle I fought and won. I’m glad that I’m not in pain and I don't have cancer, but my body is a reminder that I am a changed person."
