On April 8, Jill Martin, co-host of NBC’s Today, was visibly moved when her colleagues surprised her ahead of her milestone 50th birthday. During the Third Hour, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Laura Jarrett (filling in for Dylan Dreyer) brought cupcakes and champagne to celebrate, following a shopping segment on the show.

Laura Jarrett turned to Jill with a smile: “Before we go, we have a little something for you because there’s a milestone birthday.” The rest of the anchors joined in singing Happy Birthday, presenting Jill with the treats. Overcome with emotion, Jill bowed her head and cried as Laura added, “Jill, we love you, we’re so happy for you.” Composing herself, Jill said, “Thank you, it’s been a hell of a few years… So happy, 50 and fabulous,” raising her champagne glass in celebration.

The tears and heartfelt moment were especially poignant given Jill’s challenging journey over the past few years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, Jill underwent her eighth surgery in January 2026 for emergency treatment following complications. A week after testing positive for the BRCA gene, she underwent a double mastectomy, removal of 16 lymph nodes, four months of chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery, three weeks of radiation, and preventive removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Throughout her treatment, Jill remained candid with viewers. She shared on Today: “Just when you think the fight is over, life reminds you that healing isn’t always linear. My cancer is not back, but the procedures are preventative and proactive. If we don’t act now, it could turn into something much bigger.”

In October 2025, Jill reflected on her journey and shared a powerful message on social media. Despite ongoing hormone blocker and targeted therapy medications at home — which cause joint and bone pain — she expressed gratitude: “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. 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.”

Jill, who divorced her husband Erik Brooks during her cancer treatment, has consistently received love and support from her Today co-stars, a bond evident both on and off screen. This emotional birthday celebration highlighted not only Jill’s resilience but also the deep camaraderie among the anchors.