Hoda Kotb joins co-star Jenna Bush Hager in discussion regarding bad relationships

Hoda Kotb was noticeably absent from Today at the start of the week, and was subbed by Tom Llamas and Craig Melvin on Monday's show.MORE: Hoda Kotb's absence from Today explained - all we knowAnd on Tuesday, the duo were back to keep her seat warm yet again, as they sat alongside Savannah Guthrie.At the start of the show, the hosts confirmed that Hoda would not be returning to the program for the rest of the week, no doubt enjoying a well-deserved break with her young family.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb's family life revealed Hoda has been working on Today since 2007, where she worked alongside Kathie Lee Gifford on the Fourth Hour.MORE: Hoda Kotb left frustrated over missed opportunity with co-star live on airMORE: Inside Hoda Kotb's stylish NY home where she will co-parent her daughtersThe duo gained a mass fan base during their time working together, and in 2018, Hoda became a main co-anchor on the main show alongside Savannah, following Matt Lauer's termination.As well as working on Today, Hoda has her own successful podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb, where she has interviewed many well-known faces, including Kim Kardashian, as well as her own co-host Jenna Bush Hager.

Jenna Bush Hager maintains that her husband, Henry Hager, isn't a jealousy type of guy, during Monday morning's Today Show episode, she revealed that a certain up and coming heartthrob changed everything for the couple.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager missing from Today - replaced by beloved news anchorThe star was chatting with Justin Sylvester as she temporarily took over Hoda Kotb's spot on 4th Hour, and he did not hesitate to ask the juicy questions everyone wants the answer to.Knowing Jenna has been lucky to interview and interact with some of the world's biggest stars, he was quick to try to get the scoop from her.WATCH: Jenna's rise to fameMORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals unexpected family story involving daughter and famous parentsHe took the host by total surprise when he boldly asked her: "Who was hotter, Austin Butler or Harry Styles?"Shocked expressions immediately erupted from the audience, as Jenna exasperatedly complained: "Why would you do this to me on a Monday?"Despite her initial hesitation, Jenna seemed to have a very clear answer in her mind, and proudly stated: "Austin Butler."A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)When Austin stopped by Today recently, Hoda and Jenna were totally taken by himShe then went on to reveal that she and her husband recently went to a screening of the highly-anticipated Elvis biopic by Baz Luhrmann, and she even confessed that her husband told her: "I don't think I'm comfortable with you interviewing him." MORE: Jenna Bush Hager enjoys 'summer loving' with husband Henry Hager in beachside photoMORE: Jenna Bush Hager's radiant transformation has fans demanding to know her secretThe mom-of-three recalled explaining to him: "Honey, you have not been jealous of me in

Kathie Lee Gifford has a lot to be thankful for at the moment - from a new family addition to an upcoming book release.MORE: Kathie Lee Gifford announces birth of baby grandson and his special nameOn Monday, the former Today star took to Instagram to announce the news concerning her upcoming book, The God of the Way, which will hit the shelves in August.Alongside a picture of the front cover of the book, the mother-of-two wrote: "Great news! My friend @rabbijasonobel and I have a new book coming on August 30th titled The God of the Way!VIDEO: Kathie Lee Gifford invites fans inside her lavish home"Join us as we discover the stories of key Biblical figures and how they continue to shape us all today.

Hoda Kotb is a much-loved member of the Today family and is a familiar face to many around the United States every weekday morning.MORE: Hoda Kotb left frustrated over missed opportunity with co-star live on airHowever, on Monday's show the mother-of-two was absent, and instead Savannah Guthrie hosted alongside another familiar face - Tom Llamas, alongside Today's Craig Melvin.At the start of the show, Savannah addressed Hoda's absence, telling viewers that she was "off", although no further explanation was given.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb's family life Later on during the fourth hour, Hoda was replaced by Justin Sylvester, who hosted alongside Jenna Bush Hager.MORE: Inside Hoda Kotb's stylish NY home where she will co-parent her daughtersMORE: Hoda Kotb comes to the rescue of her co-star during family trip to the beachJustin - who regularly appears on the NBC show and has filled in for the hosts before - also shared a behind-the-scenes photo of himself and Jenna on Instagram while in the studio, and another of him in the makeup room ahead of going live on air.Hoda was no doubt enjoying some family time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, who she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Tom Llamas and Craig Melvin joined Savannah Guthrie in Hoda Kotb's place on Monday's TodayDespite their split at the beginning of the year, the pair have remained on good terms and are determined to co-parent their daughters in a happy and loving environment.MORE: Hoda Kotb breaks devastating news live on Today concerning much-loved member of showMORE: Hoda Kotb left baffled by her co-star live on airThis was proved to the public last weekend when Hoda paid a touching tribute to Joel on Father's Day.

Jenna Bush Hager has become a friendly and familiar face fans can look forward to every weekday morning on the Today Show.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals unexpected family story involving daughter and famous parentsHowever, a different – although still quite familiar – face took over her spot Thursday morning, and fans have lots of opinions about the replacement.Hoda Kotb revealed that her usual co-host is unfortunately "on assignment," but she had just as close of a friend right next to her hosting 3rd Hour, none other than former The View host Meredith Vieira.WATCH: Jenna's rise to fameMORE: Jenna Bush Hager enjoys 'summer loving' with husband Henry Hager in beachside photoHer and Hoda's friendship goes back several years, as they both came up in broadcasting at similar times, and she even co-hosted Today for several years.

Today Show stars are a close-knit bunch and that even extends to the behind-the-scenes crew as demonstrated by Hoda Kotb on Wednesday.SEE: Hoda Kotb shares heartwarming photo of ex Joel Schiffman with their daughters in honor of Father's DayThe popular host shared a snap of a group of people outside who had gathered to show off their support to producer Brittany Haviland. Hoda shared the snapshot of the assembled group who hoisted placards in Brittany's honor.

Hoda Kotb isn't letting her relationship status with Joel Schiffman get in the way of honoring him.MORE: Hoda Kotb called out by co-star over peculiar habit after on-air surpriseIn light of Father's Day, the star took to Instagram to share a sweet post dedicated to Joel, who she still shares daughters Hope Catherine and Haley Joy with.The Today star and the financier dated for nearly a decade. She announced the split in late January with an emotional statement on 3rd Hour with Hoda and Jenna.

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.

it seems the beloved Today Show stars can't detect when a surprise is in the works and coming their way.MORE:Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly and Craig Melvin all received epic surprises Tuesday morning, and as pictures are revealed of the special moments, not only is it evident they were definitely in shock, but also how emotional it made them.Each star had their own special little moment, as the NBC crew organized individual surprises for each member with someone from their highschool or college waiting outside to be reunited with their longtime friends.WATCH: Today's Jenna Bush Hager's rise to fameMORE: Savannah Guthrie jokes she doesn't recognize herself as she accomplishes surprising milestone"Our favorite people were surprised by their favorite people on the plaza this morning and tears may have been shed," Today captioned an Instagram post rounding up all of the incredible reactions.The pictures capture Hoda holding back tears as she hugs one of her past classmates, Savannah stepping back in pure shock before tightly squeezing her best friend, and Al, Carson, and Craig posing alongside their own special people.Savannah took to her personal Instagram to thank her team for planning the unexpected visit, admitting: "I didn't think @todayshow could surprise me anymore."A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow)The hosts' emotional reactionsShe revealed her surprise was by her best friend, writing: "This reunion with my dearest dearest bestie Melissa from Tucson was the absolute BEST!!! And I cannot stop hugging her."MORE: Carson Daly undergoes 'groundbreaking' medical procedure following snowmobile accidentMORE: Savannah Guthrie fulfills her 'dream' on Today - but it's not what you thinkHer fellow Today

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.

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.

Kathie Lee Gifford shared a heartfelt post on social media at the beginning of the week as she marked Memorial Day at home.MORE: Beloved star makes cheeky comment about Jenna Bush Hager replacing Kathie Lee GiffordThe TV star took to Instagram to share footage of herself sitting outside in her sprawling garden, while reflecting on the meaning behind Memorial Day.The mom-of-two told her followers to remember those who have sacrificed their lives and served for the United States, and accompanied the footage with the message: "Memorial Day is a sacred day. Let us remember and be grateful for the sacrifice of so many who have served."VIDEO: Kathie Lee Gifford shares glimpse inside lavish living roomFans were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: "Thank you Kathy for always being a courageous and positive voice for our country, our families and God.