The holiday season came early for Jenna Bush Hager, thanks to a sweet and thoughtful surprise from Hoda Kotb’s daughter, Haley. 

The Today show co-host was touched by the heartfelt gesture, sharing her excitement on social media.

A Special Christmas Surprise

Jenna, 42, took to Instagram Stories to reveal the adorable present she received from Haley, Kotb’s eldest daughter. 

The early Christmas gift was a charming, personalized penguin ornament, decorated with a glittery scarf and earmuffs. 

The ornament was made even more special with “Jenna” written across its belly, making it a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Accompanying the ornament was a handwritten tag that read, “To Jenna, From Haley,” in the seven-year-old’s handwriting. Clearly touched by the gift, Jenna captioned the photo, “Too soon? Too sweet!” capturing the moment of unexpected holiday joy.

Kotb, 60, is a proud mother of two daughters, Haley and Hope, 5, whom she shares with her former fiancé, Joel Schiffman. As a devoted mom, Kotb often shares moments of love and warmth between her daughters and her Today show colleagues, further strengthening the bond they all share.

A Today Show Family Reunion at Taylor Swift’s Concert

Just days before Jenna received Haley’s thoughtful gift, the Today show co-hosts shared another memorable experience together. Kotb, Bush Hager, and Savannah Guthrie attended one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Miami, along with their families.

Guthrie, 52, was joined by her husband, Michael Feldman, and their two children, Vale, 10, and Charley, 7. Kotb attended with Haley and Hope, while Bush Hager brought her daughters, Mila, 11, and Poppy Louise, 9. The group enjoyed the electrifying show at Hard Rock Stadium, marking a rare and special outing for the Today show team outside of the studio.

A heartwarming photo of the co-hosts and their children was later shared on Instagram in a joint post between Kotb, Guthrie, and the Today show’s official account. The picture, capturing the excitement of their night together, was simply captioned, “SWIFTIES!!!” showcasing their shared love for the pop icon.

Kotb’s Departure from Today and the Impact on Her Co-Hosts

The holiday season and exciting concerts aren’t the only things on Kotb’s mind lately. The longtime Today co-host recently announced that she would be stepping away from the morning show in early 2025 after nearly two decades with NBC. The news came as a surprise to many, but Kotb explained that it was time for her to start a new chapter, emphasizing her desire to spend more time with her daughters.

“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Kotb shared when announcing her departure. “This is the right time for me to move on.” She also hinted at transitioning into a different, yet-to-be-disclosed role at NBC.

The announcement was met with emotional reactions from her co-hosts, particularly Bush Hager, who expressed just how much Kotb’s presence has meant to her over the years.

“My first reaction was from my gut, and it was almost crazy,” Bush Hager recalled. “I said, ‘No, you can’t leave.’ You’re who I come to when I’m feeling joyful, when I’m feeling unsure. You are who I come to, and you believed in me first.”

Bush Hager went on to reflect on how Kotb gave her the chance to sit next to her on the show, a moment she still cherishes to this day.

Savannah Guthrie’s Support for Kotb’s Decision

Savannah Guthrie, another longtime Today show co-host and close friend of Kotb’s, shared her thoughts on the departure as well. Guthrie revealed that she and Kotb had spoken about this possibility for years, given that they are both in similar life stages.

“We’re dear friends, and we have a lot of similarities,” Guthrie explained. “We have these little kids that we both feel so lucky that we got to have later in life.”

Understanding Kotb’s decision, Guthrie acknowledged that prioritizing family is something they both value deeply.

A Future Filled with New Beginnings

While Kotb’s departure from Today marks the end of an era, she remains committed to new opportunities, both personally and professionally. With a wellness-focused venture set to launch soon, she is preparing for an exciting new chapter.

In the meantime, sweet moments like Haley’s early Christmas gift to Jenna Bush Hager serve as a reminder of the strong, family-like bond the Today team shares. The love and support between the co-hosts, both on and off the screen, continue to make them a beloved part of morning television.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s clear that the warmth and generosity that define their friendships will continue to shine—even through something as simple, yet meaningful, as a glittery penguin ornament from a seven-year-old’s heart.

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