‘Today’ Jenna Bush Hager Feared Hoda Kotb During Pregnancy

ByAmanda Lauren
Jenna Bush Hager- YouTube

Today Show Jenna Bush Hager is sharing how she feared her former co-host, Hoda Kotb, when she was expecting her third baby. So, what caused her to feel that way, especially toward someone with whom she had become so close? Keep reading for more details.

Jenna Bush Hager Feared Hoda Kotb

Throughout the years, Today Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager made it clear that she adored Hoda Kotb. The two co-hosted the fourth hour together, and Jenna was broken when Hoda exited the hit morning show. She had no idea how she would go on, and it took nearly a year to find the right partner in crime. During that time, rotating guests sat beside Jenna, and viewers weighed in on who they thought should take a permanent spot. Eventually, Sheinelle Jones was named the new co-host. Yet, they were big shoes to fill, and fans knew that.

Jenna Bush Hager- YouTube
Jenna Bush Hager- YouTube

In any case, the show was originally hosted by Hoda and Kathie Lee Gifford. Jenna came on in 2019 to replace Kathie Lee when she exited. However, when she was initially hired, Jenna and her husband, Henry Hager, found out that they were expecting baby number three. As she shared with Sheinelle on Friday, February 6th, this was great news. Yet, she also knew that Hoda Kotb was trying to adopt her second baby. She was already mother to daughter, Haley, and Jenna had no idea how she would receive this news:

“When I started this show, actually, I was hired, and then, like, right away, I found out I was pregnant with Hal. For a minute, I felt like, ‘Oh, gosh, can I do both?’ Whatever. But what I really felt was, I knew that Hoda was in the process of adopting a second babe. And I knew, because she’s my friend, how desperately she wanted a sister.”

When Jenna learned of her pregnancy, she went to tell Hoda. She knocked on her door, and Hoda initially thought Jenna was coming to tell her she was declining the job. Jenna Bush Hager broke down crying and told her she was pregnant. She noted that she knew how badly Hoda Kotb wanted another baby, but it opened the door to what she called a “beautiful conversation.”

Fans Love The Dialogue

Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones initially began discussing fertility struggles. They addressed what it was like having friends who could not have children, etc. That was when Jenna brought up her former Today Show co-host, Hoda Kotb, and how she longed to be a mother. Norman, Oklahoma native, Hoda did get to adopt her daughter, Hope, and has loved every second of being with her girls. Viewers appreciated the conversation between Jenna and Sheinelle and how candid it was:

  • Thank you for this conversation! So much grace is required in navigating these tough conversations. Thanks for bringing the complexities to light ❤️
  • Important conversations to be had ❤️‍🩹 thank you for discussing
  • Love that they’re sharing this conversation and how to be such a kind and supportive friend .❤️

It is beautiful that Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have bonded, and it carried over to a conversation with Sheinelle. Did you have any idea that this had happened? Let us know in the comments below.

Amanda Lauren
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