Hoda Kotb may not be tuning in to watch Jenna Bush Hager’s Today with Jenna & Friends every morning, but that didn’t stop her from showing love for her former co-host.
The 61-year-old broadcaster returned to the Today set on Tuesday, September 9, where she reunited with her longtime colleagues and caught them up on her life since stepping away from the NBC morning show in January.
“It’s just a different life,” Kotb shared.
“But it’s funny how easily you can find yourself starting something new. I mean, I miss you guys like crazy. I miss everybody. Being here made my heart hurt a little bit.”
Bush Hager jumped in with a quick joke, telling her former co-host, “Well, you can always come back!” Savannah Guthrie then teased, “Jenna’s still searching for friends!” referencing the title of Bush Hager’s new hour.
Kotb turned the spotlight on Bush Hager, asking how her show was going and noting, “You look really, it’s been going really really well.”
Bush Hager laughed in response, “Thank you. You pretend you’ve been watching.”
Kotb didn’t hold back her honesty, replying, “I don’t, I don’t. But I hear it’s amazing! But you guys have been doing so, so well. It’s been fun to watch.”
The reunion wasn’t just about laughs.
Kotb also surprised the crowd at the Today Plaza by waving a sign that read “Today Bucket List” with a check mark, jumping up and down as she greeted fans.
She then gave an update on her daughters, Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 6, explaining how life has shifted since she left the morning show to focus on family.
“They love school, we have our new puppy,” she said.
“So our life has started this rhythm where I walk the girls to school then I walk to my office. I have an office in my town. And I’m just kind of building something. Building a business is hard. I had no idea all the stuff, but it’s been so fun, challenging.”
Kotb’s mix of honesty and humour proved that while she may not be keeping up with Today with Jenna & Friends firsthand, her admiration for her former co-host remains as strong as ever.