Let’s be real, folks. If you’ve ever worked closely with someone, you know they have their quirks. Hoda Kotb, the beloved co-host of "Today," recently shared one of Jenna Bush Hager’s habits that might drive her nuts—but it’s actually kind of endearing. And hey, it’s all part of the charm that makes their dynamic so fun to watch!
Hoda Spills the Beans on Jenna's Competitive Streak
Now, Hoda Kotb isn’t one to throw her co-star under the bus without good reason. But during an interview with Entertainment Tonight on April 11, she dished about Jenna's competitive streak. "We don’t like to look for flaws, but if you ask me, it’s also one of her best qualities," Hoda, 59, said with a laugh. "Jenna is wildly competitive, and even when she doesn’t win, she pretends like she did." Can you picture it? It’s like watching a grown-up version of a playground game where everyone’s trying to save face.
Jenna Owns Up to Her Competitive Nature
Jenna Bush Hager, 42, isn’t denying it. In fact, she’s pretty open about her competitive streak. "Yes, I am competitive," she admitted to ET. "But guess what? I’m working on my sportsmanship. I’m really trying to be a better sport, both on camera and off." Jenna, the author of "Sisters First," knows that being competitive isn’t always a bad thing—it’s just something she’s actively trying to balance. After all, no one likes a sore winner, right?
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Jenna’s Honest Moment About Her Kids’ Artwork
But here’s another side of Jenna that might surprise you. During the same interview, she revealed something pretty relatable: she’s been known to toss out her kids’ artwork. Jenna, who shares three children—Mila, 10, Poppy, 8, and Hal, 4—with her husband Henry Hager, confessed, "It made me feel bad. I felt like I needed to stop doing that because they know." We’ve all been there—trying to keep the fridge from turning into an art gallery while still making sure our kids feel valued.
Hoda and Jenna’s Bond: Five Years Strong
Hoda and Jenna’s friendship has become the heart of "Today With Hoda & Jenna." As they celebrated their five-year anniversary of working together, they took a trip to New Orleans to mark the occasion. Jenna reflected on their journey during an episode of "Today" on April 8, saying, "It feels like it was yesterday, and yet it feels so profound. To sit next to someone who exudes joy, no matter what’s going on—it’s incredible. Hoda greets me with a smile every single day, and I know it’s not always easy. In fact, it’s probably not easy at all."
A Friendship That Keeps Growing
Hoda echoed similar sentiments, noting how their relationship has evolved over the years. "We started as colleagues and friends, but we didn’t really know each other back then," she said. "Over these past five years, we’ve developed such a deep understanding of each other’s souls and purposes. We’ve traveled down some pretty incredible roads together." And it’s not just about work; it’s about life. "A lot of times, friendships don’t grow, but ours does," Hoda added. "Every day, it’s something new, something different, something we’re learning. Jenna has led me down paths because of people in her life who’ve helped me heal. It’s all meant to be!"

What makes this duo so special is their ability to grow together. They’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and learned from each other along the way. As Hoda put it, "This is all meant to be." And honestly, we couldn’t agree more!


