Matt and Meredith: Cosmic birthday connection
Posted: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:00 AM by Vidya Rao
Bring out the birthday cake … er… cakes for Matt and Meredith! The two TODAY hosts both celebrate growing one year older (and wiser?) today. WATCH VIDEO
Matt who turns 51, and Meredith, who turns 55, don't usually work together on their birthday, as one of them typically takes the day off. This year, Meredith's running the show.
Last year, when Matt was celebrating the big five-oh, Meredith came in on her vacation day wearing a black wig and sunglasses while carrying a sign claiming to be Matt's "biggest fan." Matt's eagle eye caught on to the disguise immediately.
"He didn't even bat an eyelash – he knew it was her right away," said Matt's assistant, Jackie Agnolet.
If it wasn't enough of a coincidence that the hosts were born on the same day, both of their assistants share a birthday as well.
"We were laughing about how crazy it was that Matt and Meredith share the same birthday," Jackie said. "Then [Meredith's assistant and I] discovered we were both born on September 26! It was really crazy."
Amanda Bushey, Meredith's assistant, added that people often think the shared birthdays are a sign of cosmic connection.
"It's pretty unbelievable that [Jackie and I] are both in this position and that our bosses have the same birthday," she said. "People always say the planets must have aligned because we also all get along really well."
So what are the two hosts hoping to get for the special day?
"Matt is an avid golfer, so he loves anything golf-related," Jackie said. "He also loves a good book."
For Meredith, the ideal gift has to do with relaxation.
"She's always saying that she'd like to treat herself to massages, but that she doesn't take the time to do so," Amanda explained. "So buying her a massage would be a great way to appreciate her."
Both assistants said that donations to charities are also welcomed gifts for their bosses.
"Matt's a pretty simple guy," Jackie said. "But for the guy who has everything? You can't just buy him another tie."
