Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager butt heads during fun but divisive conversation on Today

Hoda Kotb is not afraid to admit about the influence he had when it came to naming her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.MORE: Today stars receive years-in-the-making surprise live on-airAlongside Jenna Bush Hager, the two Today hosts recently opened up about the inspirations and meanings behind their girls' names, both having two daughters.The mom-of-two hinted at how having waited so long to have children, and going through the adoption process with both, inspired her name choices.WATCH: Jenna  'hustled' to get to Hoda after emotional Today Show episodeMORE: Hoda Kotb gets candid about dating again following split from fiancé Joel SchiffmanWith Haley, she explained: "She seemed so one in a million," which made her think of Halley's Comet, one of the most iconic space phenomena in the world, which occurs once every 75 years.Her middle name was her sister's suggestion, an idea that came easily to her when Hoda would tell her what a "joy" her new baby was.For Hope, she admitted: "It was such a no-brainer, it was such an easy pick."A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)The hearfelt conversationReferencing being with Joel at the time, and their wish of having children, she explained: "That's what we'd been doing, was hoping, and then she came. That was just simple."MORE: Hoda Kotb returns to social media after absence - and her family photo is the sweetestMORE: Hoda Kotb is all smiles during night out supporting Jennifer LopezThe two co-hosts went on to discuss just how right their choices felt, with Jenna opening up about how she came up with the names Mila and Poppy.

Hoda Kotb has always been quite candid about a lot of details of her life, but her co-star Jenna Bush Hager called her out on one of her more peculiar habits.MORE: Hoda Kotb gets candid about dating again following split from fiancé Joel SchiffmanThe two were sitting down for the latest installment of Today with Hoda and Jenna with Hoda's college roommate Mary, who was part of a surprise that took place earlier in the day.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb overwhelmed by surprised by her daughtersAfter bantering for a bit about what the TV host was like in her early days, Jenna asked Mary whether she picked up her specific style of partying from that period as well."I'm wondering when this originated," she questioned. "Hoda now likes to go to a party, do a quick circle and then sneak out before anybody can even witness it.

Jenna Bush Hager is a proud mom to her three kids, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, and during one of Today Show's latest episodes, she opened up to Hoda Kotb about the decision and meaning behind each of her children's names.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager enjoys 'summer loving' with husband Henry Hager in beachside photoDuring the discussion, she revealed that while both her and husband Henry Hager are happy with their choices, when it came to their eldest, Mila, they had some convincing to do.She explained that while the meaning behind the nine-year-old's name was meant to be in homage to both of their mothers, her own parents didn't immediately jump on board.WATCH: Jenna recalls scary phone call to her dad MORE: Jenna Bush Hager's radiant transformation has fans demanding to know her secretThe host confessed that in fact: "It's Margaret Laura, named after both of our moms," saying how she was named after her grandmother, Laura Bush's mother.However, while she loved the idea, when Mila was born, Jenna explained: "We thought we were going to do it, but she didn't look like a Margaret," which made them then think: "Mila! It's kind of a combination of Margaret and Laura."She recalled how it took her forever to pick a name, and how her dad, former President George Bush, would constantly inquire what the name would be.A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)The hilarious storyHis wanting to know and opinions on the matter didn't stop until the name was finally announced, and to his daughter's dismay, he simply said: "That should be MaLa.

Hoda Kotb has got candid about her love life and her thoughts on dating again following her separation from fiancé Joel Schiffman at the start of the year.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares adorable family update in new photo from homeThe mother-of-two recently gave an incredibly rare insight into her personal life at home during a chat with Daily Mail.She told the publication: "We all make choices that are for us, and I feel strong and I feel good about my decision. I'm just kind of marching on with life."VIDEO: Hoda Kotb's family life - all you need to knowOn whether she was on the search for a new partner, she added: "No, I think especially when you have kids, you take a beat [after going through a breakup]."MORE: Hoda Kotb hosts Today alone for heartbreaking reasonMORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'"I'm focusing on them," she added.Hoda and Joel adopted daughters Haley and Hope, and the star said that they are "better off as friends" and co-parents to their children.

Jenna Bush Hager spent her weekend in the best way possible, enjoying a lavish spread by the beach with some of her closest friends.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager's radiant transformation has fans demanding to know her secretThe Today star took to social media with snippets from her magical weekend dinner, had by the setting sun, bathing the entire scenery in shades of red and orange.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager recalls 'scary' phone call to dad on EllenShe capped it off by including a rare photograph of herself with her husband Henry Hager, both of whom posed on the sand for the romantic snap.Henry held his wife close, who wore a white midi-length off the shoulder dress with strawberry appliques running through it.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals daughter's hilarious misbehavior at special occasionThe sun-soaked photograph really made the two look radiant, and Jenna even captioned her snapshot with a simple: "Summer loving."Jenna and Henry met during her father's reelection campaign in 2004 when her now husband worked as a staffer, and they were introduced by mutual friends. They married in 2008 at the Bush family's ranch in Crawford, Texas on the same day as his birthday.

Hoda Kotb recently took a lengthy break from social media, but on Friday she returned with an endearing photo. The Today show host was in a jovial mood after a month away from Instagram and updated her fans with a photo with her two adorable young children. MORE: Hoda Kotb celebrates former co-star Kathie Lee Gifford's baby news on the airIn the snapshot, Hoda was posing inside her family home with Hope and Hayley by her side. WATCH: Hoda Kotb's family life - everything we know She was dressed casually in sweatpants, sneakers and a denim jacket while her daughters were dressed up - in heels!The pair looked adorable with rolled-up pants, too-big sweaters and fancy footwear. Hoda's caption explained: "Somebody raided mommy's closet."MORE: Hoda Kotb left unnerved by Jenna Bush Hager's uncomfortable confession - and fans are in hystericsMORE: Hoda Kotb's much-loved stand-in on Today revealed as star misses Memorial Day showFans were thrilled to get a sneak peek at her life off-screen and commented: "Love this! Wait until they are teens," and, "DARLING," and plenty more were blown away by how quickly they're growing up. A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb)Hoda's fan's couldn't believe how quickly her daughters are growing up "Haley got so big," added a stunned follower as another exclaimed: "They're getting so big.

Jennifer Lopez has an undeniably massive and loyal fanbase, and as she attended the global premiere of her highly-anticipated documentary film about her career, Halftime, none other than Today's Hoda Kotb was at the red carpet, front and center supporting the singer.MORE: Hoda Kotb joins co-star Jenna Bush Hager in discussion regarding bad relationshipsThe documentary follows her multi-decade career with a focus on her Super Bowl Halftime performance in 2020, and HELLO! had the opportunity to attend the red carpet as part of opening night of the Tribeca Festival.As crowds gathered at the iconic United Palace Theater in New York, the morning show host proved she's J.Lo's biggest fan.WATCH: The trailer for HalftimeMORE: Hoda Kotb celebrates former co-star Kathie Lee Gifford's baby news on the airThe two have been friends for several years, and as Hoda came out in support for the documentary debut, she was all smiles and visibly excited to finally get to see the film.For the event, the news anchor looked drop-dead gorgeous sporting a pair of skin tight leather pants, a black blouse with see-through sleeves, and perfectly accessorized the look with sky-high stiletto heels.The mom-of-two was more than ready for a night honoring J.Lo, and as some of the actress' hit songs blared through the sound system, HELLO! spotted the star dancing up to everyone and animatedly chatting about how great the singer is. Hoda raved about J.Lo on the red carpet"If anyone knows how to turn the lights on, it is her.

Hoda Kotb has often made it a point to dive into uncomfortable conversations on Today with Hoda and Jenna, and find a way to make them empowering.MORE: Hoda Kotb celebrates former co-star Kathie Lee Gifford's baby news on the airOn a recent installment of the show, she and co-star Jenna Bush Hager sat down to talk about uncomfortable relationships and how to find the strength to just be alone.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager 'hustled' to get to Hoda Kotb after emotional Today episode"For anybody that's young and wanting fun, don't stay in a bad relationship for too long," Jenna started off by saying."You're only young for so long and can date a lot of different people," she continued, which Hoda agreed was a good way of looking at it.MORE: Hoda Kotb left unnerved by Jenna Bush Hager's uncomfortable confession - and fans are in hystericsShe said: "And I do think that some people would rather be with someone they don't like that much than be alone," which they both agreed was the preferable option in this case."They always say that relationships take 'work'," the mom-of-two added, but both also explained that the "work" shouldn't have to come in during the beginning stages of the relationship.Hoda and Jenna discussed getting out of bad relationships"If you're already arguing and talking about counseling [early on]," Hoda continued: "Then you need to [leave]," clicking her tongue to indicate an escape.Jenan then introduced the concept of "googly-ing eyes the person," then stroking Hoda's arm to explain that it meant looking at them through rose-colored glasses.MORE: Hoda Kotb's much-loved stand-in on Today revealed as star misses Memorial Day showMORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals 'scary' phone call to dad George W.

Jenna Bush Hager has been working hard to make her health and fitness a priority - and it shows. The hard-working mom-of-three posted a photo with her new reading suggestion to her Instagram book club but fans couldn't get over her appearance. MORE: Prince Louis' hilarious connection to Jenna Bush Hager revealedJenna looked radiant with a fresh haircut, pink lipstick and glowing complexion. Her toned arms were on display as she wore a sleeveless, black top. WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager shares surprising beach throwback Fans couldn't get over how great she looked and commented: "You look so cute and summery! So does the book," and, "You look amazing! Wowsa," and, "picture perfect Miss Jenna".Others asked for her beauty secrets, called her new hair, "beautiful," and said: "I don't know how you do it!"MORE: Hoda Kotb left unnerved by Jenna Bush Hager's uncomfortable confession - and fans are in hystericsMORE: Today's Al Roker's wife Deborah Roberts mourns heartbreaking sudden deathEarlier this year, she was inundated with praise after detailing her healthy lifestyle transformation. During her show Hoda & Jenna, Hoda Kotb took a moment to say how great she looked. Fans were in awe of Jenna's appearance "Can I tell you something that I've noticed and our viewers have noticed over the past few weeks," she said."People have noticed that there's like a transformation that's been happening with you.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager are known for their hilarious shenanigans and cahoots hosting the Today Show.MORE: Prince Louis' hilarious connection to Jenna Bush Hager revealedAs the Today crew all headed to a co-worker's wedding recently, it seems they passed down their antics to their children, and they took their cheeky behavior to the special event.Along with Savannah Guthrie's children, Jenna's daughters participated in the nuptials, but as any parent would know, plans with children don't always go smoothly.WATCH: Jenna recalls 'scary' phone call she had to make to her dadMORE: Hoda Kotb left unnerved by Jenna Bush Hager's uncomfortable confession - and fans are in hystericsThe mom-of-three opened up about the festivities when she returned to Today studios revealing the fear her daughters brought her during the celebration.She shared an adorable yet hilarious photo of the bride, Libby Leist, being embraced by her flower girls, one of which was Jenna's daughter, Poppy, though her face was completely covered by a crown of leaves.The mishaps didn't stop with the wardrobe malfunction however, and the host recalled: "She ran up with her sticky little fingers, filled with hot dogs and ketchup. Ran up to Libby, I had to run, [screaming], 'What are you doing?!'"The hilarious yet heartwarming storyWhat's more, Hoda then went on to reveal how all of the kids were so excited to hug the bride and groom, the couple fell to the ground when embraced by the swarm of them, explaining: "No, they toppled.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager had a lot to celebrate on the latest installment of Today with Hoda and Jenna with a former co-star.MORE: Hoda Kotb left unnerved by Jenna Bush Hager's uncomfortable confession - and fans are in hystericsALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThey were joined by Kathie Lee Gifford as she Facetimed into the show soon after she announced the birth of her grandson.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb celebrates birthday with daughtersAs soon as she appeared, Hoda began enthusiastically applauding, then saying: "Tell us everything!"Kathie then revealed that her daughter-in-law Erika's water broke three weeks early and none of the extended family members were with her except for her husband, Kathie's son Cody.MORE: Hoda Kotb's much-loved stand-in on Today revealed as star misses Memorial Day show"That baby came just when god wanted it to. Erika was a rockstar, Cody never left her side.

Hoda Kotb and co-star Jenna Bush Hager were forced to confront some interesting questions on the latest edition of Today with Hoda and Jenna.MORE: Hoda Kotb's much-loved stand-in on Today revealed as star misses Memorial Day showAs they were looking at polls and questions that had come in from their audiences, they mulled over one which read: "Would you go to a nude beach?"VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb host New Year's Eve SpecialJenna considered it, musing that her younger self probably would go, with Hoda joking: "Your younger self already did go to one."Her co-star then proceeded to deliver a warning to her fans as she launched into an anecdote, saying: "I just have to say.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals 'scary' phone call to dad George W. Bush"If you're going to go, this is a little PSA for all of you out there - put on sunscreen.

Hoda Kotb is a much-loved member of the Today family and so when she's not at work it's more than noticeable.MORE: Hoda Kotb delivers heartbreaking message following Texas school shootingAnd on Monday's show, the TV favorite was absent during the Memorial Day special, as was her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.Instead, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones filled in, alongside Al Roker.VIDEO: Hoda Kotb's family life revealed Memorial Day is a bittersweet holiday as it honors military personal who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.MORE: Hoda Kotb talks difficult career goodbyes with Today co-starMORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'Hoda is likely to have taken the holiday off work in order to spend time with her young family.The star is a doting mom to daughters Haley and Hope, who she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.Today's Hoda Kotb was absent from the show on Memorial DayThe pair announced their separation at the beginning of the year, which was amicable. They have remained good friends and are co-parenting their children in a happy environment.MORE: Hoda Kotb as you've never seen her before for special project with Today co-starsMORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt statement about co-star's future on TodayThe former couple adopted Haley just a year into their relationship, after Hoda sat down with Joel and told him just how much it meant to her to become a mom.They went on to adopt Hope, whose middle name Catherine is a tribute to Hoda's best friend Karen Swensen's daughter.

Jenna Bush Hager opened up to co-star Hoda Kotb about the "scary" moment she was forced to call her dad, George W. Bush, live on air in front of millions of people.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'The Today with Hoda & Jenna stars were discussing the final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which aired last week, when talk turned to when Jenna appeared on the series back when her father was still President.WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager recalls 'scary' phone call with dad George W.

Jenna Bush Hager was praised for her "hustle" by her co-star on Thursday after she ran to the Today Show studios to sit with an emotional Hoda Kotb who hosted the first 10 minutes on her own.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleJenna was filming a segment on the USS Baatan on Wednesday morning and believed she could make it to the studio by 10am but by 9.30am was still on the vessel and nowhere near the studios. They then made it to the car but were stuck in morning traffic.WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager 'hustled' to get to Hoda Kotb after emotional Today Show episodeLaughing, Hoda shared with viewers on Thursday: "And so what did Jenna do? She was running with her 'I Love NY' jacket, with her assistant and Photo Nate was shooting this while carrying bags."Photo Nate is what the pair call their producer, and he appeared on screen to praise Jenna's hustle: "I think a lot of people think its glamorous and it is but it takes having to hustle and get out of the traffic [to get to work on time]."MORE: Hoda Kotb talks difficult career goodbyes with Today co-starMORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'"Only you would get out of the car and run through the streets," added Hoda.However, the absence of Jenna was felt even more when Hoda almost broke down in tears as she spoke about the deaths of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas.

Jenna Bush Hager was one of the many famous faces to share her outrage and horror following the Texas shooting on Tuesday.MORE: Hoda Kotb hosts Today alone and delivers heartbreaking message about the Texas shootingThe Today star is a former teacher and also a mom to three young children, and was close to tears as she spoke about the shocking events that unfolded in Uvalde.She emotionally conveyed to her co-host how she didn't find out about the incident till the morning of the show and how it hit so much harder for her, as a mother, former teacher, and Texan.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager shares emotional message about working with Hoda Kotb"School should be the safest place in our country... Not all kids are safe at home.

Jenna Bush Hager is departing on an adventure unlike any other! The star revealed on the Today Show that she would be "setting sail," quite literally, in honor of the return of New York's iconic Fleet Week.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleFleet Week is a legendary event that takes place in New York City at the beginning of every summer, which honors the US Navy and armed forces.The morning show host is celebrating its return to in-person festivities by boarding the historic USS Bataan, which has a special meaning to New York City, having served the nation during the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan. WATCH: Jenna shares an emotional message about her time on TodayMORE: Beloved star makes cheeky comment about Jenna Bush Hager replacing Kathie Lee Gifford"I'm so excited to get onboard and meet the brave men and women who serve on the USS Bataan," Jenna announced.The naval adventure holds extra special meaning to her heart, since her grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush served in the Navy.

Hoda Kotb has had some incredible opportunities when it comes to her life and career, and moving on from them hasn't been easy at times.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe Today star talked to co-star Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Hoda and Jenna about making tough choices and moving on to better things.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb host New Year's Eve Special"They always say life's about how to start something and how to end it," Hoda started off by saying, with Jenna agreeing."How did you know to say goodbye to New Orleans, for example?" she asked, referring to Hoda's prior position as an anchor and reporter for WWL in Louisiana before moving to NBC.MORE: Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb brave the pouring rain for special Harry Styles performance"That was my hardest professional goodbye ever," she explained: "Because I fit like a puzzle piece in New Orleans."She went on to get a little emotional as she explained that it felt like the moment was right for a jump, worrying that she would have regretted it if she didn't, with Jenna agreeing."I stood on the edge and just jumped."Hoda and Jenna opened up about leaving behind their past careers for NBCJenna also shared what it was like for her to leave her position as a teacher prior to joining the NBC team, also terming it a "really hard decision.""But I also think, as you said, with standing on the edge and jumping, you can alway go back.

Ricky Gervais has some thoughts about how Jenna Bush Hager has been doing on the Today Show since replacing Kathie Lee Gifford in 2019, and he's certainly not afraid to say them!ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe star stopped by NBC studios recently, making an appearance on 3rd Hour with Hoda and Jenna.The three sparked a hilarious conversation about his cat, Pickle, and when Jenna accidentally called him Pickles, Ricky didn't shy away from saying what he really thought about her.WATCH: Jenna shares emotional message about working on TodayMORE: Jenna Bush Hager's Long Island home features family heirlooms and childhood memories - details"Okay we got to ask about Pickles," the star began by saying, though Hoda Kotb and Ricky were quick to correct her, both saying: "Pickle."Jenna was just as quick to shoot right back to them, responding with: "I call the cat Pickles. You call it Pickle."Pickle's owner was not having it, and he said: "Right.

Hoda Kotb braved the New York rain on Thursday to watch Harry Styles perform a bombastic set live from Rockefeller plaza.MORE:  HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe pair were captured by The Today Show's social media team on stage with Hoda dancing and hyping up the crowds who were caught in the downpour.WATCH: Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb brave the pouring rain Hoda, who wore a Barbie pink dress and paired it with a fire-engine red coat, was caught bouncing up and down and pulling funny faces with the crowd while Savannah spoke to producers.The pair were outside to prepare for Harry Styles' performance as he sang new single As It Was and spoke to Hoda about his lost ring at Coachella Music Festival which fans managed to find in the field and returned to the star.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt statement about co-star's future on TodayMORE: Savannah Guthrie reveals 'dream' transformation in new backstage glimpseHarry rocked a bold yellow and brown striped jumpsuit for the performance, and appeared happy to be with fans despite the weather.Hoda and Savannah's appearance came a day after they transformed themselves into characters from New York in the 1940s for a special rendition of an old radio play, Murder in Studio One. Hoda was caught on camera hyping the crowdsHoda and Savannah took on the leading roles, and they were joined by the likes of Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, and Tom Llama for the Today segment.While a table reading and character assigning was first held before the pandemic, the project had to take a backseat and only recently resumed.