Jenna Bush Hager has been a familiar face alongside Hoda Kotb on Today with Hoda & Jenna for years, bringing warmth, laughter, and heartfelt conversations to morning television.
However, with Hoda’s upcoming departure from the show to focus on family, Jenna is preparing for a major transition—one that she’s still coming to terms with.
Hoda’s decision to step away was announced in September, prompting an emotional response from the Today family.
As she explained, her priority is spending more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, as well as her loved ones.
While many fans and colleagues have expressed their support and admiration for her choice, Jenna has been candid about her own mixed emotions regarding Hoda’s departure.
On a recent episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Jenna made her feelings clear during a heartfelt exchange with their guest, DJ Khaled.
The record executive took a moment to express his appreciation for Hoda, acknowledging the joy and positivity she has brought to the show.
“You put beautiful energy out there. We don’t want you to go. But we get it,” DJ Khaled said.
Jenna, however, had a different perspective. With a mix of humor and sincerity, she responded, “Do you get it? Because I don’t get it.”
It was a lighthearted remark, but one that underscored just how difficult it has been for Jenna to fully accept her co-host’s decision. Throughout their years working together, Jenna and Hoda have built a strong bond, making this transition even more emotional.
Jenna has not been shy about voicing her uncertainty regarding Hoda’s departure. Shortly after the announcement, she reflected on the news, admitting that she felt like “the girl that just got dumped.” She joked about how people kept congratulating Hoda on her decision, adding, “And I’m like, ‘Did she? Did she make the best choice?’”
Despite her humorous take on the situation, it’s clear that Jenna deeply values her friendship with Hoda. She even joked that she would be showing up at Hoda’s doorstep like a stalker, unwilling to let go of their close connection.
While Jenna processes her feelings, the show itself is also undergoing changes. Once Hoda officially steps away, the program will be rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends, marking a new era for the fourth hour of Today.
For Hoda, the decision to leave was not an easy one, but she is looking forward to embracing this next chapter. She spoke about feeling a sense of fulfillment in her career and recognizing that now is the right time to shift her focus.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Hoda shared. She recalled standing outside the Today studios, surrounded by supportive fans holding signs, and thinking, “This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.”
Hoda’s announcement marks a bittersweet moment for both her colleagues and her audience. While her presence on Today will be deeply missed, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire and bring joy to those around her in this new phase of her life.
Meanwhile, Jenna is gearing up to carry the torch on her own, albeit with guest co-hosts and friends joining her along the way. While change is never easy, viewers can expect the same charisma and heart that have made Today with Hoda & Jenna a staple of morning television.
Though Jenna may not “get it” just yet, one thing is clear: the bond between her and Hoda is unshakable, and their friendship will undoubtedly extend far beyond the walls of the Today studio.
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