Anyone who watching the Today Show knows they are a family. They stick together through the good and the bad and always have each other’s best interests at heart. When Hoda Kotb announced her retirement last year, it was heartbreaking for her cohosts and viewers. She’d been with NBC for 26 years and 17 with Today. She’d built a particularly strong bond with Jenna Bush Hager, who recently opened up about how close they really are. Jenna Bush Hager told the How She Does It with Karen Finerman podcast that before her departure, Hoda Kotb wanted to protect her.
Videos by InspireMore
“She kept saying, ‘Don’t sign your contract,'” Jenna explained, but didn’t understand why.
Hoda Kotb Wanted To Be Sure Jenna Bush Hager Was Protected
Jenna Bush Hager told Karen that Hoda Kotb knew she was leaving and that Jenna’s life as she knew it would change dramatically.
“I thought she was saying that so we could link up our contracts and be there until the same time,” Jenna explained. “But what she was doing was protecting me, because she knew I was gonna be doing the show on my own.”
She said that she never envisioned being on Today in the first place, but she certainly never imagined life without Hoda by her side.
Jenna Bush Hager added she had no idea Hoda Kotb planned to retire.
“I didn’t ever have one inkling of a thought that she was about to say she was leaving,” she said of her former cohost. “I know she loved her work and loves her work, so leaving it wasn’t something I could wrap my mind around until I sat down with her and heard her reasoning.”
Jenna admitted this change hasn’t been easy, but she’s up for the challenge.
“For my personality, this has been a challenge, and it’s a great way just to live in the present,” Jenna continued. “Like, ‘We do not have a plan, and that does not scare me.'”
This story’s featured image is by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Joy 101.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
