Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Hoda Kotb’s TODAY Show Exit
Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Hoda Kotb‘s ‘Shocking’ TODAY Departure
Jenna Bush Hager is getting candid about the moment she learned Hoda Kotb was leaving the TODAY show.Speaking on her podcast “Open Book with Jenna” with actor and comedian Matt Rogers, Hager revealed she was “shocked” when Kotb shared her decision with her the week before the public announcement in September.
“I found out, like, the week before,” Hager said. “She told me as soon as she’d made the decision, but it was — you know, Hoda does things. And this is why I admire her so much, is that she really listens to herself, and therefore she makes decisions which can feel surprising to others and just right for her.”
Hoda and Jenna had co-hosted the fourth hour of TODAY together for over five years, building a close bond both on and off screen.Hager compared the news of Kotb’s departure to a “heartbreak,” highlighting the deep connection they shared.
Kotb’s decision to step away from the show in early January 2025 came after much deliberation, with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, playing a critically importent role. In an interview with people magazine, Kotb explained that she wanted to prioritize spending more time with her young children.
While Hager admitted the news was initially arduous to process, she expressed admiration for Kotb’s courage to prioritize her own needs and happiness.
Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About ‘Heartbreak’ Over Hoda Kotb’s TODAY Departure
Jenna Bush Hager is processing the news of Hoda Kotb’s departure from TODAY, admitting she felt a sense of “heartbreak” despite understanding her friend’s decision.
Hager, who co-hosts the fourth hour of TODAY with Kotb, shared her candid feelings in a recent interview. “There’s the guilt you carry becuase you can’t be 100% at work and 100% at home,” she said.”Something has to give if you want excellence.”
Hager initially reacted with surprise and humor when Kotb announced her departure during a staff meeting. However, after taking time to reflect, she expressed empathy for kotb’s choice to prioritize her well-being.
“Now that I’ve had time to process it, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I totally get it,'” Hager said. “But I was saying when everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, congratulations,’ it’s like, I feel like I’ve been dumped. Not really, because it’s like, she’s choosing herself. I get that. But my heart was, is broken a little.”
Hager echoed these sentiments during a live episode of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in Austin, Texas. She compared their partnership to a deep relationship, noting the profound impact Kotb’s departure had on her children.
“If any of y’all have ever been in a relationship like this one where it’s like we’re partners in everything — I mean, first of all, when I told my kids Hoda was leaving, I might as well have said Daddy’s leaving, because they were like, wait, what? Why?” Hager shared with the audience. “You know, they couldn’t understand it, and I understood it, even though my heart was broken.”
kotb has hinted at her future plans, expressing a desire to focus on “living in wellness” and pursuing new ventures in that space.
“I want to work in that space,” Kotb said. “I want to start things.I’ve got things that are percolating inside that I’m going to hopefully have fully formed soon.”
Jenna Bush Hager Still ‘Shocked’ by Hoda Kotb’s ‘TODAY’ Exit: Exclusive Interview
New York, NY – The unexpected departure of Hoda Kotb from the TODAY show sent shockwaves through the television world this past September. Now, Jenna Bush Hager, Kotb’s longtime co-host on the fourth hour, is opening up about the moment she learned the news.
In an exclusive interview with News Direct, Hager shared her candid thoughts on Kotb’s decision, reflecting on their close bond and the impact of the change.
News Direct: Jenna, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. It must have been challenging to process Hoda’s departure.
Jenna Bush Hager: Of course, it was a big shock. Hoda and I are very close, and we built something really special together on the fourth hour. When she told me, I was surprised, but also incredibly supportive.
News Direct: What was the moment like when hoda told you she was leaving?
Jenna Bush Hager: We were together, and she was very clear and direct about her decision. She explained that she needed to prioritize herself and her well-being, and I instantly understood.
that’s what’s so amazing about Hoda. she’s always listeniing to her gut and making choices that feel right for her,even if they might seem surprising to others.
News Direct: How has her absence affected you and the show?
Jenna Bush Hager: it’s definitely been an adjustment. Hoda’s energy and presence were so unique and irreplaceable. I miss her dearly, but I’m also excited about this new chapter and the opportunity to continue connecting with our viewers.
News direct: What’s your message to Hoda and to the viewers who are still processing this change?
Jenna Bush Hager: To Hoda: I love you and I support you. You’re an inspiration to so many people, and I know you’ll continue to do amazing things.
And to our viewers: Thank you for your continued support. The fourth hour will always be a place for laughter, connection, and meaningfull conversations.
We at News Direct will continue to track this developing story and provide updates as they become available.