Hoda Kotb gave former Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager the ‘best surprise’ this week — two months after her shock departure.
The TV personality, 60, paid Hager, 43, an unexpected visit at NBC Studios in New York City on Tuesday ahead of that morning’s show.
The duo famously co-hosted Today’s fourth hour for five years before Kotb confirmed her exit in January.
And she proved her friendship with Hager is as tight as ever as they shared the sweet backstage moment.
Footage of Kotb’s surprise drop-in was shared to Instagram and TikTok on the official pages for Today with Jenna & Friends.
The accounts captioned the clip: ‘We had the best surprise in our briefing meeting this morning!! @hodakotb dropped in to show her love and support for @jennabhager and @dwyanewade #JennaandFriends’
Hoda Kotb gave former Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager the ‘best surprise’ this week — two months after her shock departure
The video starts with Kotb greeting the Today crew before Jenna, seated in a makeup chair, notices her in the room.
‘What is happening?! What is happening?! I FaceTimed you today,’ said Hager as she rose from her makeup chair to give her pal a warm hug.
‘I know, I had to come in for a second,’ Kotb replied as she wrapped her arms around Hager.
She then said hello to Dwyane Wade, 43, who is the show’s temporary co-host.
She told the NBA superstar — who was recently deemed cancer-free — that he’s ‘crushing it’ and ‘so good’ as Hager’s co-host.
Fans were thrilled to see Kotb and Hager back together, with on Today view commenting: ‘Smiling so much watching this!’
Other remarked on how much they ‘miss’ seeing Hoda on the show.
The search for Kotb’s replacement is still ongoing as the Today show has yet to make a decision on who will fill her seat, an insider recently revealed to DailyMail.com.
Since Kotb’s departure in January, Hager has been trialing a range of cohosts on the show, which has aptly been renamed Jenna & Friends.
So far, actress Scarlett Johansson has been the standout presenter and went down so well with viewers that she has been invited back to co-host in March.
But despite Jenna & Friends launching six weeks ago, the Today show is no closer to landing on a permanent fixture.
The TV personality, 60, paid Hager an unexpected visit at NBC Studios on Tuesday ahead of that morning’s show
Footage of Kotb’s surprise drop-in was shared to Instagram and TikTok on the official pages for Today with Jenna & Friends
Kotb, flashing a huge smile, wrapped her arms around Hager before saying hello to NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, who is the show’s temporary co-host
Fans were thrilled to see Kotb and Hager back together, with on Today view commenting: ‘Smiling so much watching this!’
And it appears bosses are not in a rush to land on a new presenter to replace Kotb.
An insider close to the show told DailyMail.com: ‘There has been no permanent cohost decision for today with Jenna & Friends.’
They continued: ‘There is no reason to make a decision now.
‘There’s been a lot of people vying for the opportunity to guest co-host.’
Hoda, who had been part of NBC News for nearly three decades, announced her decision to leave the Today show last year.
In a letter to her colleagues, she explained that turning 60 sparked a seismic ‘shift’ in her life.
‘As I write this, my heart is all over the map,’ Hoda said.
‘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.
‘My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure.
‘Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.’
She continued: ‘I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.’
The host went on to pay a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘ride-or-die’ Jenna and claimed she will ‘desperately’ miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.
The search for Kotb’s replacement is still ongoing as the Today show has yet to make a decision on who will fill her seat, an insider recently revealed to DailyMail.com
So far, actress Scarlett Johansson has been the standout presenter and went down so well with viewers that she has been invited back to co-host in March
‘Savannah: my rock,’ she continued. ‘Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at Today desperately.’
It was announced in November that Jenna would continue to host the fourth hour following Hoda’s exit, which has since been renamed Today with Jenna & Friends.
Explaining the concept of the new show at the time, Jenna said: ‘ Y’all know the new trend roster dating? That’s what I’m going to be doing.
‘I’m single, not at home, but in this work life I am single and I am ready to mingle!
‘So this show is going to be all about friendship.
‘We have so many amazing guests and friends and family that are part of this DNA of this show, and they are going to be coming along for the ride, so we cannot wait.’
Leave a Reply