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Hoda’s Heartwarming Return: Surprising Jenna Backstage Months After Exit!

BBG News

This week, Hoda Kotb delivered a wonderful surprise to her former Today show colleague Jenna Bush Hager – exactly two months since her unexpected exit.

On Tuesday, the television figure (aged 60) made a surprise trip to NBC Studios in New York City before the morning’s broadcast, where he met up with Hager (aged 43).

For five rewarding years, I had the privilege of co-hosting Today’s fourth hour alongside an exceptional partner. In January, my esteemed colleague, Kotb, announced her departure, marking the end of our memorable journey together.

And their friendship with Hager remains strong, as evident by the heartwarming backstage moment they shared together.

The unexpected visit by Kotb was posted on Instagram and TikTok from the official accounts of Today with Jenna & Friends.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it like this: “This morning, I had an unexpected delight in my briefing session – Hoda Kotb graced us with her presence to express her love and support for Jenn Babylon and Dwyane Wade in our ‘Jenna and Friends’ series!

A post shared by TODAY with Jenna & Friends (@jennaandfriends)

The video commences with Kotb acknowledging the Today team members, then Jenna, who’s sitting in a makeup station, recognizes her presence.

What’s going on? I gave you a call via FaceTime today,” said Hager, rising from her makeup seat to embrace her friend with 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 praised the NBA superstar, now declared cancer-free, by telling him he’s ‘doing exceptionally well’ and ‘excellent’ as Hager’s fellow host.

Viewers expressed their delight as Kotb and Hager reunited on Today, one commentator exclaiming, “I can’t stop smiling at this!

Other remarked on how much they ‘miss’ seeing Hoda on the show.

As a lifestyle authority, I’m keeping my eyes peeled and my ears open, for the hunt for the new anchor to take Hala Kotb’s coveted seat on the Today show is still very much underway. A reliable source has just shared with DailyMail.com that the show’s decision-makers have yet to make a final call on who will grace that chair moving forward.

Ever since Kotb left in January, they have been trying out various co-hosts for the show, which is now fittingly called Jenna & Company.

To date, actress Scarlett Johansson has been a crowd favorite as the presenter, and her performance was met with enthusiasm by viewers, leading to an invitation for her to return as a co-host in March.

Regardless of the fact that Jenna & Friends debuted six weeks ago, the Today show has yet to settle on a fixed arrangement.

And it appears bosses are not in a rush to land on a new presenter to replace Kotb.

A source near the program shared with DailyMail.com: ‘As of now, there’s no definitive choice for a permanent co-host alongside Jenna and 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.’

For approximately three decades, Hoda was a valued member of NBC News. Last year, she made the announcement that she would be stepping down from the Today show.

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 firmly believe this choice I’m making is correct, but it’s a difficult one due to the strong bonds we share. It seems that two things can be true simultaneously, as I feel both regret and certainty now. I appreciate you all, and it’s with great affection that I choose to step away from the show.’

My stint at NBC spans the longest, most passionate professional relationship I’ve known. Yet, it’s been so due to your presence throughout these past twenty-six years of our shared journey.

Reflecting on the past, it’s astonishing to see the numbers: I spent 26 years with NBC News! Over a decade at Dateline, seven years during the seven o’clock news slot, and an impressive sixteen years during the ten o’clock news slot.

She went on to say, “I can see your faces and those of your loved ones. I am reminded of how you have supported and motivated me. This is the music of my heart. Many of my business connections have blossomed into deep friendships that are very precious to me.

The host continued by offering an emotional homage to her trusted companion, Jenna, and expressed that she would deeply miss everyone she collaborated with during the well-known morning program.

In a heartfelt manner, she added, ‘Savannah is like a solid foundation for me, Jenna is my unwavering companion, Al has been my friend for three decades at 30 Rock, Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan are my cherished family members. Libby, Mazz and Talia are the fearless leaders I respect deeply. I will dearly miss all of you from Today.’

In November, it was revealed that Jenna would carry on hosting the fourth hour, following Hoda’s departure, which has subsequently been titled “Today with Jenna & Friends.

At that moment, Jenna described the premise of the upcoming show by saying, “You’re familiar with the recent trend of relationship shows, right? Well, that’s essentially what I’ll be participating in.

‘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.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that an incredible array of guests, friends, and family form the very essence of this show. I eagerly anticipate their journey with us, so I can hardly contain my excitement!

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2025-03-13 08:53

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