Jenna Bush Hager recently expressed her sadness and concern following her co-host Hoda Kotb’s unexpected departure from The Today Show. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Jenna, who has worked closely with Hoda for years, opened up about how she’s processing the sudden change. Her primary worry, however, wasn’t about herself, but about her husband, Henry.
During the interview, which took place amidst *Today’s* Halloween festivities on October 31, Jenna shared her mixed emotions. Dressed as Titanic’s Jack and Rose alongside Hoda, Jenna admitted she felt “so sad” seeing her close friend leave the show. But despite her sadness, Jenna made sure to express her support for Hoda’s decision, saying, “I’m thrilled for her because I know this is what she really wants.” While Jenna was happy for her co-host’s future, she also revealed the challenges Hoda’s exit brings, especially for her husband Henry.
As Jenna reflected on Hoda’s departure, she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for her husband. She joked, “Poor Henry,” acknowledging the tough transition that both Hoda and her family must face. While Jenna remains supportive of Hoda’s next steps, she also emphasized how much she will miss having Hoda by her side on *Today*, given the years of close collaboration and friendship they’ve shared.
For Jenna, the change in the Today team has been bittersweet. While Hoda’s decision is clearly something she fully supports, it is still an emotional shift for the entire crew, and especially for the families involved. “It’s a huge change, but it’s also a new chapter for her,” Jenna added. With her characteristic warmth, she highlighted how this major life shift is a mix of excitement and sadness.
In the end, Jenna’s thoughts were a reminder of the tight-knit bonds that form behind the scenes of popular TV shows. Even as the show must go on, Jenna’s genuine care for both her co-host and her family shows just how much those relationships mean to her.