Jenna Bush Hager Shares True Feelings On Hoda Leaving ‘Today’
Recently, Jenna Bush Hager discussed how she learned Hoda Kotb was leaving The Today Show. Furthermore, she shares her true feelings about finding out the news Hoda would be exiting the show. Additionally, they discuss her upcoming plans.
Jenna Bush Hager Had To Take Time To Process Hoda Leaving
While Jenna Bush Hager got more advanced notice about Hoda Kotb leaving than most, she still needed to process the news. When The Today Show host, Hoda, explained it was a time in her life when she needed to be home more with her girls, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, most people understood. Unmistakably, time is fleeting when raising young children, especially since Hoda celebrated her 60th birthday this year. Although she is at the top of her newscasting career, she needed to prioritize her personal life and also take a leap into her professional passions. Undoubtedly, friend and co-worker, Jenna, wants what is best for Hoda. But Jenna was resistant when first learning the news.
Jenna Bush Hager Shares True Feelings On Hoda Leaving The Today Show
In The Today Show, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb have been sharing their hearts for five years. Both pour out their experiences and love for people while also having many laughs. But Jenna reflected on her true feelings when Hoda told her she was leaving. During Jenna’s Open Book with Jenna podcast, tells Matt Rogers about the Hoda’s announcement rattling her heart. Jenna admits, “I think it’s sort of how you were talking about having a heartbreak.” Furthermore, she adds, “I mean, to be totally honest, I was shocked. Shocked.” Notably, Jenna got a heads-up by learning the news from Hoda before her live announcement on September 26. Jenna says, “I found out, like, the week before.”
Jenna Bush Hager Knew Before Most People
Additionally, Jenna Bush Hager talks about the early notice. She says, “She told me as soon as she’d made the decision, but it was — you know, Hoda does things. And this is why I admire her so much, is that she really listens to herself, and therefore she makes decisions which can feel surprising to others and just right for her.” Initially, Jenna cried and told her “No” and wasn’t accepting the reality. Admittedly, she texted her in the evening and let her know she truly wanted her to be happy and follow her dreams.
After Jenna Bush Hager had time to take it in, she knew Hoda Kotb needed to chase her passion for wellness and quality time with her family. She says, “Now that I’ve had time to process it, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I totally get it.'” Additionally, she continues, “But I was saying when everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, congratulations,’ it’s like, I feel like I’ve been dumped. Not really, because it’s like, she’s choosing herself. I get that. But my heart was, is broken a little.”
Heartbreaking Reality
Likewise, on the October 25 Hoda & Jenna episode, Jenna Bush Hager relays a similar story. While talking about Hoda’s exit, she shares how difficult it was for her. She says, “If any of y’all have ever been in a relationship like this one where it’s like we’re partners in everything — I mean, first of all, when I told my kids Hoda was leaving, I might as well have said Daddy’s leaving, because they were like, wait, what? Why?”
Furthermore, she reiterated, “You know, they couldn’t understand it, and I understood it, even though my heart was broken.” Hoda says, “I want to work in that space,” referring to her wellness journey and wanting to inspire others. She adds, “I want to start things. I’ve got things that are percolating inside that I’m going to hopefully have fully formed soon.” Jenna can’t help but celebrate Hoda’s life-altering decision, but also knows how sad it is for her not to work with her every day.
What do you think about Jenna Bush Hager’s reflection about Hoda Kotb telling her the news? Are you going to miss seeing Hoda and Jenna together on Today? Drop your comments below.
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