Skip to main contentSkip to footer
today with hoda and jenna© Getty Images

Jenna Bush Hager calls out former Today Show star after making discovery involving Hoda Kotb

The NBC star has been working on the Fourth Hour since 2019

Hanna Fillingham
US Managing Editor
November 13, 2024
Share this:

Jenna Bush Hager has a great sense of humor and incredibly down-to-earth, which is just as well!

On Tuesday's episode of the Fourth Hour, the Today Show star revealed she had once been given a gift by Kathie Lee Gifford, that was actually meant for Hoda Kotb.

Laughing as she recalled the experience, Jenna said during a chat about the holiday season and gift giving: "It's kind of like the time that Kathie Lee gave me that bracelet that said, um, 'Choose your joy,' or 'Joy is not negotiable.'"

Hoda said that it read: "'Our joy is non-negotiable.' She gave it to Jenna." What's more, it even had Hoda's daughter's name, Haley Joy, on the back of it. 

"And then it said Haley Joy on the back. Because that was for Hoda and then she re-gifted it to me." 

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager © NBC
The pair had a discussion on their show

Kathie Lee and Hoda worked together on the Fourth Hour for many years together, before Kathie left in April 2019. 

It's not yet known who will join Jenna on the popular daytime show when Hoda leaves in the new year. The pair recently celebrated their five year work anniversary, with a special trip to New Orleans. 

Hoda Kotb, Kathie lee Gifford, Al Roker on Today
Kathie is a former Today host

The Empire State building was even lit up purple in the show's honor. In September, she announced the news of her departure during an emotional episode of Today. 

The star had decided to leave after turning 60, and felt the time was right for a new chapter in her life, prioritising spending more time with her two young children. 

Hoda Kotb with Jenna Bush Hager © NBC
Hoda is leaving Today

She explained: "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new. I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, 'This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.' And I thought it can't get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on." 

During an emotional moment on the show, Hoda was visibly upset as she addressed her upcoming departure alongside her co-stars. 

Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Jenna Bush Hager get emotional over the former's decision to leave the Today Show© NBC
Hoda's co-hosts got emotional when she said she was leaving

"It's kind of a big deal for me. I've been practicing so I wouldn't cry, but anyway, I did," she said. 

The 60-year-old has had an incredible time on the Today Show, which has seen her interview many A-listers, travel the world and share a lot of her personal life on air with viewers too, from her breast cancer battle to her adoption journey. 

Hoda Kotb is seen on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza on September 06, 2024 in New York City© NDZ/Star Max/GC Images
Hoda just turned 60

Most recently, Hoda celebrated her 60th birthday on the show with a special program dedicated to her. 

This year alone, she has moved house, traveled to Paris to co-host the Summer Olympics, and written a children's book, Hope is a Rainbow, dedicated to her youngest daughter. 

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more