In a heartwarming twist, Hoda Kotb surprised Jenna Bush Hager during a backstage visit at the NBC Studios, reigniting fond memories of their co-hosting days on the ‘Today’ show.
The unexpected reunion took place just two months after Hoda Kotb’s sudden exit from the ‘Today’ show. Her surprise visit left Jenna Bush Hager, her former co-host, delighted and deeply touched.
The duo, who shared the screen for five memorable years, experienced an emotional moment backstage at NBC Studios in New York City. Their friendship, it seems, remains as strong as ever.
Videos of Hoda’s heartening return were quickly shared on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, bringing smiles to many fans. The posts, captioned with phrases like ‘best surprise,’ captured the joyful encounter.
In one of the videos, Jenna can be seen rising from her makeup chair to warmly embrace Hoda, exclaiming her disbelief at the surprise visit.
Hoda Kotb also took a moment to greet Dwyane Wade, who has been temporarily co-hosting with Jenna. The ex-NBA player, recently deemed cancer-free, received praise from Hoda for his impressive performance in the role.
Fans of the show expressed their excitement online, reminiscing about Hoda and Jenna’s dynamic duo days. Comments poured in from those who miss seeing Hoda’s presence on the show.
Since Hoda’s departure in January, ‘Today’ has experimented with different temporary co-hosts alongside Jenna, including actress Scarlett Johansson, who has been particularly popular with viewers.
The ‘Today’ show, however, appears in no rush to commit to a permanent replacement for Hoda. An insider has shared with DailyMail.com that the decision remains open, hinting at ongoing trials and guest appearances.
Hoda Kotb’s departure was not only a professional shift but also a personal one. She had been part of NBC News for nearly three decades and acknowledged that turning 60 prompted her decision to leave.
In a heartfelt letter to her colleagues, Hoda expressed her gratitude for the professional journey and the cherished relationships she built over the years. Her words reflected the mixed emotions of knowing her decision was right but still painful.
Hoda’s touching goodbye highlighted her close bond with Jenna, dubbing her as her ‘ride-or-die,’ and thanked all her colleagues whom she will desperately miss.
Jenna Bush Hager, on the other hand, has embraced the new format of the show, now titled ‘Today with Jenna & Friends.’ She likened her approach to ‘roster dating,’ where different guest hosts join her on-air.
Despite the changes, the show continues to maintain its essence of friendship and camaraderie, inviting various guests to participate in the programme.
Hoda Kotb’s surprise return was a reminder of the lasting friendships and joyful moments that leave a mark, both on the hosts and their audience. As ‘Today’ transitions, the heart of the show remains—friendship, laughter, and unexpected surprises.
