Heartfelt Moments Between Jenna and Hoda
It was an emotional day for Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb as they reflected on their cherished friendship during a recent interview. The Today show hosts found themselves tearing up while discussing actress Zosie Mamet's touching words about her best friend, Kaley Cuoco.
During her Friday, December 13, appearance, Zosie Mamet, 36, shared how her friendship with Kaley Cuoco, 39, has been a constant source of joy. "I think it's truly remarkable when you find someone who can make you laugh, no matter what life throws at you," Zosie said. "Whether it's a long workday or personal struggles, Kaley and I always manage to find humor in it all. It's a gift."
The former Girls star continued, "Working alongside your best friend? There's nothing better. It's like having a built-in support system that truly gets you." Her words clearly resonated with Jenna and Hoda, who have formed their own unbreakable bond over the years.
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Jenna's Emotional Reaction
Jenna Bush Hager, 43, couldn't help but get emotional as she responded to Zosie's heartfelt comments. "I'm crying because Hoda and I share that same connection," Jenna admitted. "She's leaving, and it's breaking my heart. Everything feels so heavy right now. We're in such a tough spot."
Hoda Kotb, 60, also got choked up, especially as her own departure from the Today show approaches on January 10, 2025. "We can't help but feel this way," Hoda shared, her voice trembling. "It's just the reality of our situation."
A History of Emotional Goodbyes
This wasn't the first time Hoda and Jenna have had tearful moments leading up to Hoda's retirement. Earlier in the week, the two shared a poignant moment when Hoda expressed her deep affection for Jenna during the Tuesday, December 10, Today With Hoda & Jenna segment.
"Oh my gosh, what's happening?" Jenna laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm in the phase of losing Hoda called 'studying.' Yes, I'm studying Hoda at this point. I want to analyze your behaviors tonight and see how you've changed over the years."
Hoda, resting her chin on her hand, replied earnestly, "You know what? I love you. I just love you so much." Her heartfelt words only added to the emotional weight of the moment.
Jenna's Journey Through the Stages of Grief
Jenna joked that she was going through the five stages of grief as Hoda's retirement looms closer. "I'm currently in the depression stage," she admitted. "Denial lasted a good month, and anger hit me last week when I tried to make Hoda jealous with Gayle King. I've even bargained with God every night for the past few months, hoping things would change."
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Despite the humor, Jenna's admission reveals the depth of her feelings about Hoda's departure. She previously joked that Gayle King, 69, might be a good replacement for Hoda. Jenna also discussed Hoda's upcoming farewell during the December 5 episode of her podcast, "Open Book With Jenna."
"To be completely honest, I was shocked when Hoda told me about her decision," Jenna confessed. "She shared the news with me just a week before it became public. Hoda has always been someone who listens to her heart, and that's why I admire her so much. Her decisions may surprise others, but they always feel right for her."
As of now, NBC has not announced Hoda's official replacement for her segment with Jenna. In the meantime, Jenna will have different cohosts each week, and the fourth hour will be renamed Today With Jenna and Friends. However, Craig Melvin has been confirmed to take over the early hours of Today.
