Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager shared a heartfelt farewell during Kotb’s final appearance on the fourth hour of Today on January 10th. To commemorate their last episode together, Bush Hager, 43, read a moving letter reflecting on their time as co-hosts. The crowd featured the journalist‘s relatives and close companions, including her two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, who she co-parents with her former partner Joel Schiffman.
Kotb’s sister, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, and close friends were also in attendance This touching moment brought tears to Kotb’s eyes and undoubtedly to many viewers who have followed her broadcasts for the past 17 years. Bush Hager also memorably joked that the episode was “Brought to you by Kleenex.”
Hoda Kotb Tears Up On Today As Jenna Bush Hager Reads A Heartfelt Farewell Letter: 'My Dearest Hoda'
Bush Hager then read: "Dearest Hoda, five years …. more than 1500 shows … 90,000 hours … 9,000 commercial breaks filled with Shaboozey, Beyoncé and constant laughter and soul affirming conversations. From Vegas to NOLA (three times!) from Austin to Quebec … to our home — this home Studio 1A, which will always be ours. Mine and yours."
The co-anchor went on: "From a global pandemic … to two maternity leaves! Five children. I’ll never forget sitting in your dressing room telling you I was pregnant with Hal … then a month later you FaceTimed me introducing me to baby Hope. They were right on time!" She also expressed the valuable lessons she gained from her colleague during their friendship, referring to Kotb, 60, as a "hero."
"You have taught me to look really look into the eyes, the hearts of our guest … and listen, really listen! And now, my dearest — you are teaching us the most important lesson of all — how to say goodbye with grace," a teary-eyed Bush Hager said. She noted: "Viewers have traveled miles, from other states to declare their love on poster board, every single guest has gotten to share their ‘Hoda story.’ How you have made them feel seen, and heard."
Bush Hager concluded her note: "Thank you Hoda for everything you have taught me, everything you’ve given me: all the hugs, all the heart all the laughs, all the love. I will miss you my friend. But I love you and am so proud! Love always and forever, Jenna."
Hoda Kotb And Jenna Bush Hager's On-Screen History And Off-Screen Friendship
As fans know, Kotb and Bush Hager have co-hosted Today with Hoda & Jenna since 2019. That same year, NBC revealed that Hager would succeed Kathy Lee Gifford during the show's fourth hour following Gifford's exit. The duo swiftly became one of daytime television’s favorite partnerships. By April 2024, they marked their fifth anniversary on the program, reflecting on how their professional collaboration has blossomed into a lasting friendship.
Kotb said at the time: "We started off as colleagues/friends. We didn’t really know each other. Over the five years, there’s such a deep understanding of the other’s soul and purpose, We have traveled down these roads together. A lot of times friendships don’t grow, you talk about the old days. Not ours. Like every day [there’s] something different, something new, something we’re learning."
The Future Of Today With Jenna And Friends
Bush Hager mentioned that their bond grew so strong that they instinctively began to use the term "we" when referring to themselves. "We say ‘we’ for everything. I’ll tell mom friends, ‘We’re waiting ‘til 8th grade for phones.’ They’re like, ‘You and [Bush Hager’s husband] Henry?’ I’m like, ‘No, Hoda and me,'" Bush Hager said then. "But to have a ‘we’ is so profound at this stage in life. Everybody looks for a partner that will grow with them, and here we are."
Bush Hager recently announced that Scarlett Johansson will join her on Today with Jenna and Friends as a guest co-host. While the broadcaster is thrilled to collaborate with the Oscar-nominated actress, 40, Bush Hager admitted that she also misses her former co-host on Today with Hoda and Jenna.
Jenna Bush Hager Announces Co-Host Scarlett Johansson
As the former First Daughter dished to People last week: “Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. The Girl with a Pearl Earring, I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read.” Johansson will be Bush Hager’s co-host from January 21st onward. Bush Hager added: “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”
She continued: "It's just a wild dream. But that's what I'm saying, the fact that she's coming to give us a week of her time, she could be doing anything, is a testament to the show that we have built. So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait." Bush Hager went on: "We've never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!" During the January 7th broadcast, Bush Hager hinted that the show has a lot of exciting activities lined up with Johansson.
