hoda jenna© Photo: Getty Images

Jenna Bush Hager's replacement co-star revealed - and fans have a lot to say!

The star had a temporary co-host in light of Hoda Kotb's absence

Beatriz Colon - New York
New York WriterNew York
March 20, 2023

Fans of the Today Show may have been disappointed to see both Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie missing from the show again after lengthy absences earlier this month, but they are not at all mad about the latter's fill in.

Both hosts were absent from Wednesday, March 19th's installment of the show, but little was noted of the two host's whereabouts. It was revealed that Savannah is "on assignment," however when it came to the reason behind Hoda's absence, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin simply said she was "off" with no further details.

While Sheinelle and Craig expertly took over during the early morning segment, it was Jenna Bush Hager's temporary co-host that totally made up for the absences in fans' eyes.

WATCH: Hoda Kotb reveals reason for absence in emotional statement

MORE: Today welcomes new temporary meteorologist - and you won't believe who it is

Longtime NBC contributor Willie Geist was the star's co-host for the day, and fans had nothing but praise for the host, despite Hoda's absence.

As 4th Hour with Hoda and Jenna aired, viewers of the program took to the show's Instagram page to express their approval of Willie, writing: "Thank you for having Willie be your co-host Jenna, I love when he is on!!!" and: "I like [Jenna] with Willie too," as well as: "Nice show! Willie is great."

MORE: Savannah Guthrie's co-hosts unable to focus during Today segment – and she's left incredulous

Willie was also Hoda's replacement when she spent over a week away from NBC studios while tending to her youngest daughter, Hope Catherine, who spent several days hospitalized in the ICU.

Willie Geist and Jenna Bush Hager© Photo: Getty Images

Willie and Jenna have just as much hosting chemistry as she and Hoda

While Jenna surely missed having Hoda by her side, at the time, she too had nothing but praise for Willie for stepping up and being a great co-host.

MORE: Today's Dylan Dreyer's heartwarming insight into family life with husband and three children

MORE: Today's Al Roker's accident that led to family baby news – new details

During another episode while Hoda was away, she gushed over his ability to adapt so seamlessly into his new role, telling him: "Can I just say, because you've been here for the last two weeks off and on, your range, going from Morning Joe, to here…" getting a prompt round of applause from the crew working behind the scenes.

Fans loved seeing Willie in for the day

"It's just really incredible," she added, and Willie praised the show in return, telling her: "This show is a breath of fresh air, I love it here."

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