Matt Lauer is turning 50 on Sunday, and Today took time out this morning to celebrate. There were videotaped greetings from CBS' Katie Couric, NBC's Brian Williams, and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Weatherman Willard Scott and former Today anchor Bryant Gumbel joined Ann Curry, Natalie Morales, and Hota Kotb for an in-studio champagne toast.

Also on hand: an AARP representative, there to personally give Lauer his new AARP membership card.

Meredith Vieira and Al Roker, both taking vacation this week, sent pre-taped birthday wishes. Vieira and Lauer, coincidentally, both have a December 30th birthday — Vieira turns 54 on Sunday.