Jenna Bush Hager kicked off a new chapter of *Jenna & Friends* on January 14,
as she welcomed Eva Longoria as her second guest co-host, just days after her longtime friend and co-anchor, Hoda Kotb, exited the show.
The 43-year-old host couldn’t have been more thrilled to sit alongside the *Desperate Housewives* star,
who was making her first appearance as a co-host on the revamped segment.
Jenna, known for her warm and inviting personality, took a moment after the show to express her gratitude to Eva for joining her at the desk.
“Can I thank the best for co-hosting?” Jenna said, beaming with a smile.
“We adore you; you are welcome here any time. Your heart, all of it…you are the best.” The exchange was met with cheers from the crew, and Eva responded with excitement, shouting, “I’m coming back!” as the team celebrated her fantastic debut.
In a sweet gesture, Jenna presented Eva with a homemade friendship bracelet, further solidifying the bond between the two. It was clear that Eva’s presence was a hit, with her charm and warmth making a lasting impression. Her co-hosting debut was celebrated by both the team and viewers alike, adding to the excitement surrounding the new iteration of the segment.
During the *Jenna & Friends* segment, Jenna shared a nostalgic moment, recalling how her mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, once made a memorable comment about *Desperate Housewives*. The show, in which Eva Longoria portrayed the iconic role of Gabrielle Solis, became a worldwide sensation and was a staple during Jenna’s time in the White House. Jenna reminisced, saying, “Do you remember when my mom made that *Desperate Housewives* joke?” Eva quickly responded, recalling the moment fondly: “Yes, your mom put us on the map!”
In 2005, Laura Bush had quipped, “I am married to the President of the United States, and here’s our typical evening – nine o’clock, Mr. Excitement here is sound asleep, and I’m watching *Desperate Housewives* with Lynne Cheney…ladies and gentlemen, I am a Desperate Housewife.” This witty remark became a beloved moment, further cementing the show’s cultural impact, with Eva reflecting on the humorous quip fondly.
As the conversation continued, Eva Longoria shared her thoughts on her time starring in *Desperate Housewives*, a show that captivated millions of viewers around the world. “It was a decade of my life, and it was the number one show in the world,” Eva said. She recounted a humorous and humbling experience during her rise to fame when she visited London for the first time. “I had never been to London before and there was a big crowd of people outside the hotel, and I was like, ‘Gosh, who’s here? Is Bono here? Somebody important must be here!’” Eva continued. “And the driver was like, ‘You,’ and I was like, ‘No, somebody like, big. Like a big deal!’”
Eva’s story was a reminder of how quickly fame can change one’s life. She reflected on the global reach of *Desperate Housewives*, especially in an era before the rise of streaming services, and how her sudden celebrity status left her in awe.
Eva’s appearance on *Jenna & Friends* marks the second guest hosting stint in the post-Hoda era. Following the departure of Hoda Kotb, who announced her decision to step back from the show to focus on her daughters, the segment has featured a roster of notable stars. Taraji P. Henson kicked off the guest hosting series on January 13, and upcoming guests include Keke Palmer and Scarlett Johansson.
The changes to *Jenna & Friends* come as the *Today* show adapts to new dynamics following Hoda’s emotional departure. Jenna has embraced the opportunity to forge new connections and continue the show’s legacy of heartwarming moments and celebrity camaraderie. As she embarks on this new chapter, it’s clear that Jenna’s welcoming spirit and the exciting guest lineups will keep audiences engaged and entertained for the foreseeable future.
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