Jenna Bush Hager has officially stepped into a new chapter with *NBC’s Today*, taking over the reimagined Fourth Hour segment, now dubbed *Today with Jenna & Friends*.
The 43-year-old daughter of former President George W. Bush has been a familiar face on *Today* since 2009,
and in 2019, she became the co-host of the Fourth Hour alongside Hoda Kotb.
Following Hoda’s departure from the show on January 10, Jenna is now spearheading the segment,
which promises fresh energy and star-studded guests.
The revamped segment marks an exciting new phase for Jenna, as she continues her tenure at *NBC News* with an evolving role.
Over the years, Jenna’s charm and relatability have made her a fan favorite, and her new gig reflects the trust the network has placed in her to take *Today’s* Fourth Hour into the future. Though she has a strong lineup of celebrity guest co-hosts joining her, it appears her own family might not be part of the new on-air dynamic — at least not for now.
In a lighthearted interview with *E! News*, Jenna joked about potentially convincing her family members to make appearances on *Jenna & Friends*, mentioning her 11-year-old daughter, Mila, as someone who could be tempted to join her on set. “They’re not jumping, but I may push them like I’ve done my whole life,” she laughed. Jenna and her husband Henry Hager share three children: Mila, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5. While Mila has made several appearances on the show in the past, her previous outing didn’t exactly go as planned.
In December 2022, during an appearance with Jenna and Hoda, Mila caused a stir when she shared some embarrassing details about her mom. Jenna revealed that her daughter’s comments were so controversial that Henry imposed what she described as a “lifetime ban” from returning to the show. While Mila’s future appearances on *Today with Jenna & Friends* remain uncertain, Jenna teased that a potential “bring your kids to work day” could offer a chance for Mila to return to the spotlight — though she jokingly admitted that Mila hasn’t always been the most supportive of her mom’s TV career.
Despite the humorous family dynamics, Jenna has learned much from her former co-host and close friend, Hoda Kotb, especially when it comes to parenting. Jenna has credited Hoda with teaching her valuable lessons about being present with others and showing empathy. She reflected on Hoda’s ability to be both warm and fun, and she emphasized that these qualities are now central to the tone of *Jenna & Friends*. Jenna believes that fun is often underrated, and she’s determined to bring an upbeat, light-hearted vibe to the revamped segment, a shift that she hopes will resonate with viewers during difficult times.
For the first week of the newly named *Today with Jenna & Friends*, Jenna is joined by a stellar lineup of celebrity co-hosts. Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer will all take turns in the co-host chair, with Scarlett Johansson set to make her debut the following week. “All of the women that have said yes are like dream guests,” Jenna gushed. “The fact that they’re willing to leave their homes to be with us means so much, especially when the world is hard. We do not take that lightly.”
Jenna’s enthusiasm for her new role is palpable, and she’s clearly excited about the possibilities of the show’s new direction. With a mix of heartwarming moments, humor, and empowering conversations, *Today with Jenna & Friends* looks poised to keep the energy of *The Fourth Hour* alive while introducing new dynamics to the popular morning show.
The show’s evolution follows Hoda Kotb’s final day on *Today* as co-anchor, which took place on January 10, 2025. Before Hoda’s departure, she shared a heartfelt message on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, where she reflected on her deep friendship with Jenna. Hoda called their relationship “next level” and expressed confidence that their bond would last forever. “We can’t even get through a show right now,” Hoda said tearfully.
As Jenna transitions into her new role with *Today*, she remains deeply grateful for the lasting friendship and mentorship she’s had with Hoda. While the Fourth Hour will look different, it’s clear that Jenna is ready to make it her own while continuing the legacy of fun, connection, and warmth that has made the segment so beloved by viewers. With her new team of talented co-hosts and her unmistakable charm, Jenna Bush Hager is ready to embrace this exciting new chapter on *NBC’s Today*.
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