Subhi Agrawal
Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager became emotional as they began Today with Hoda & Jenna shortly after Hoda announced her departure from the Today show.
Hoda Kotb Shares Emotional Farewell
Both co-hosts were seen wiping away tears as Hoda Kotb reiterated her reasons for stepping down early next year, stating, “My daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.” She then reflected on their five-year journey hosting the 3rd hour of Today.
Kotb, 60, expressed to Bush Hager, 42, that their bond is “one in a million,” prompting her co-host to become even more emotional as she tearfully thanked Kotb for her friendship.
“You are who I come to. You are who believed in me first. On October 28, 2013 — I looked it up — you said, ‘Hey, wanna come sit next to me? There’s room,’” Bush Hager stated.
“Looking at you and seeing magic was one of the easiest things,” Kotb told her.
Jenna Bush Hager Reflects on Joining Today
Bush Hager playfully recalled that when she was first considering the offer to co-host the 3rd hour of Today, she called her father, George W. Bush, who told her, “Hoda’s the star… You’re gonna be okay with that, right?”
Kotb seized the moment to honor Bush Hager, who will be taking over after her departure. “It’s your turn,” Kotb said, standing up and applauding her co-host. “Whoever sits in this seat is going to have the easiest job in the world because they’re sitting next to you.”
Kotb announced her decision to leave Today after 17 years during an emotional moment on Thursday morning. Sitting on a couch with her colleagues Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Sheinelle Jones, and Bush Hager, Kotb tearfully shared the news, while Guthrie, 52, and Bush Hager comforted and reassured her.
“It’s A Painful One”
The announcement was initially made in a letter to the staff of the NBC morning show. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show,” she mentioned.
“My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited,” she added.
Kotb will continue in her current role until early 2025 and plans to remain part of the NBC family after her departure from Today.
“Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart,” she stated in the letter. “I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”
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