Jenna Bush Hager Credits Hoda Kotb for Protecting Career Before Today Show Exit

Jenna Bush Hager revealed that before her cohost Hoda Kotb's departure from the Today show, Kotb advised her not to sign a new contract, which was a protective move anticipating that Bush Hager would be running the show solo. Bush Hager initially misunderstood this advice as a plan to align their contract timelines but later realized Kotb was preparing her for the transition. Kotb's exit in January 2025 came as a shock to Bush Hager, who had not expected her longtime partner to leave and found the news disappointing. After Kotb left to spend more time with her family and focus on her wellness venture Joy 101, Bush Hager took over hosting duties for the fourth hour, now called Today With Jenna & Friends, where she has been experimenting with different cohosts. Despite the abrupt change, Bush Hager expressed gratitude for the tight-knit team and legacy of the Today show, while acknowledging the challenges of leading solo after six years of partnership with Kotb. The search for a permanent cohost continues as Bush Hager likened the process to "dating."