Dylan Dreyer Plans a Surprise Celebration Filled with Laughter, Love, and an Unexpected Reaction—Who Was the Special Guest?

Dylan Dreyer pulled off an unforgettable birthday surprise, organizing a heartfelt celebration that had everyone talking. The special moment was filled with joy, family, and an unexpected reaction that left the room in laughter—especially when someone couldn’t help but exclaim about the number of boys in attendance! The Today show star kept the details under wraps until the last moment, making the big reveal even more meaningful. Fans were touched by the warmth and love behind the gesture—watch how it all unfolded below! 🎉❤️👇

Dylan Dreyer knows how to pull off a surprise, and this time, she outdid herself. The Today star planned a heartfelt celebration that brought together loved ones for a milestone occasion. The event was filled with laughter, family, and an unexpected reaction that had everyone talking. One guest, in particular, was left completely stunned—and their priceless response became the highlight of the night.

Dreyer kept the details a secret until the last moment, making the reunion even more meaningful. When the surprise was finally revealed, the room erupted in joy. The guest of honor couldn’t help but comment on one striking detail: the overwhelming number of boys in the family!

On March 22, Dreyer shared the special moment with her fans, posting a heartwarming family photo on Instagram. The image captured three generations gathered together, marking a rare and precious reunion. Standing side by side were her two older brothers, Mike and James, along with the next generation—her three young sons, Calvin, Oliver, and Rusty.

And at the center of it all? The man who inspired the entire event—Dreyer’s father, Jim, celebrating his 80th birthday.

“Surprised my dad for his 80th by flying in my brothers! Lots of family time and so…many…boys!!!! Happy birthday to the best dad in the world!!” Dreyer wrote in the caption.

80th birthdays don’t come around often, and Dreyer made sure this one would be unforgettable. She arranged for her brothers to fly to New York City, where she lives with her husband, Brian, and their children. The reunion was a rare moment of togetherness, one that meant the world to their father.

Jim, beaming with happiness, was surrounded by his three children and grandkids. His reaction to the surprise said it all—pure joy.

Aside from Dreyer’s husband, there was only one person missing from the photo op: Craig Melvin, who once jokingly referred to himself as the family’s honorary babysitter!

While the weekend was all about Jim’s milestone birthday, the occasion also held deep meaning for Dreyer. Living far from her brothers hasn’t been easy. In an August 2023 Instagram post, she called the distance between her and Mike “heartbreaking.”

“It’s heartbreaking to live so far away from my brother and his family, but we certainly know how to make up for lost time!” she wrote.

Dylan Dreyer on TODAY on March 11, 2025. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC

A Bond That Stands the Test of Time

Dreyer has always shared a special connection with her father. She often describes him as her “buddy” and a “truly caring family man.” In a 2014 Today article, she reflected on what Father’s Day meant to their family.

“On Father’s Day, it’s not about gifts for my dad. It’s about moments: getting to spend some time together, catching up, having a few laughs, a few jokes, a few drinks, some food—quality time,” she wrote. “That’s what I try to give my dad as often as possible. Some time to set aside life and work and chaos, and hang out with my buddy.”

More than a decade later, she’s still doing just that. By reuniting the family for this milestone celebration, she gave her father another memory to cherish—a moment that wouldn’t have been possible without her thoughtful planning.