Jenna Bush Hager ‘Broken’ Amid Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Exit
Earlier this year Hoda Kotb announced she would be leaving Today in January 2025. She wishes to spend more time with her children. Hoda has been taking steps to make this happen. She has moved to the suburbs and even got herself a minivan to tote her girls around in. Hoda’s cohost Jenna Bush Hager has opened up about her feelings over her friend leaving Today.
Jenna Bush Hager Shares Feelings Over Hoda’s Exit
Jenna Bush Hager spoke with Matt Rogers during the December 5th episode of her podcast Open Book With Jenna. During the conversation, Jenna told Matt how she was feeling about her cohost Hoda Kotb leaving the Today Show. Jenna said “To be totally honest, I was shocked, shocked. I mean, I was surprised.” Jenna shared that Hoda told her what her intentions were about a week before making the information public. Jenna said:
“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. And now that I’ve had time to process it, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I totally get it.’”
However, not all of Bush Hager’s thoughts about Kotb leaving were so positive. She also expressed:
“When everybody’s like, ‘Oh, my God! Congratulations,’ it’s like, ‘I feel like I’ve been dumped. Not really, you know, ‘cause she’s choosing herself. I get that. But my heart is broken a little.”
Jenna is dealing with some sadness about her friend leaving her side. Hoda Kotb’s last day on the Today Show will be January 10, 2025. Craig Melvin is set to replace Hoda as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie. The Hoda and Jenna segment will become Today With Jenna And Friends, where Jenna will have guest co-anchors join her until Kotb’s replacement is found.
Jenna Bush Hager Searches For Hoda Kotb’s Replacement
During the December 5th Open Book With Jenna, Matt Rogers made sure to validate Jenna’s feelings over her friend moving on. Matt expressed that Bush Hager was only human to think about how Hoda’s actions affected her. He also shared that he hoped Jenna would find a new co-anchor in time. Rogers told Bush Hager:
“If you want the time to really sit with the decision and make sure it’s the right person, and you know, just if you want it to be you, and have that be months or however long it is, like, you’ve earned that, and you should give that to yourself.”
Jenna Bush Hager expressed that she wasn’t sure how long it would take to replace Hoda Kotb, using another separation metaphor. She said:
“If somebody dumps you, breaks up with you, and you’re standing there like — maybe a one night stand is good? But you don’t want to jump into a serious thing. It’s a bad thing. So, right now, we’re just gonna date around — feel it out.”
Hoda Kotb was supportive of her co-anchor’s search for her perfect co-worker. Hoda told Jenna “Your turn to step in the spotlight.” Kotb continued “Whoever sits in this seat, is going to have the easiest job in the world ‘cause they’re sitting next to you.” With the plan to have a rotation of co-anchors, Jenna will have plenty of time to find her perfect match!
What do you think of Jenna Bush Hager feeling like Hoda Kotb is “Breaking up” with her? Let us know in the comments. The Today Show airs during the week from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.
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