Hoda Kotb reveals how relationship with Joel Schiffman inspired her daughter's name

Today pulled out all the stops, including surprising Jenna Bush Hager with a rather memorable family photo.MORE: Dylan Dreyer as you've never seen her before in new photo with husband Brian FicheraIn a clip from an episode that was shared on Instagram, Hoda Kotb had the funniest reaction as Jenna was shown a picture of herself with dad George W. Bush, mom Laura Bush and twin sister Barbara, all dressed up for Fourth of July.Jenna and Barbara were wearing matching United States flag T-shirts, and the TV star sported heavy bangs and an Alice band.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager's rise to fame - from teacher to TV star"Look at your outfit!" Hoda exclaimed, as Jenna replied: "I know, please stop! It's just so mean."MORE: Dylan Dreyer's latest family update has fans all offering the same adviceMORE: Hoda Kotb enjoys day by the beach on Fourth of July"Why? It's not mean, it's cute.

Hoda Kotb had reason to celebrate at the start of the week as she enjoyed a day off work to spend with her loved ones.MORE: What Savannah Guthrie really thinks of co-star Hoda KotbLike her colleague Savannah Guthrie, Hoda was absent from Today on Monday, with the pair being subbed by co-stars Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin.Hoda had great fun by the coast with her young daughters Haley and Hope, and shared a sweet picture of them with their friends during the day.VIDEO: A look at Hoda Kotb's family life The talented star's fans were thrilled to see her looking so happy, and many took to commenting.

Savannah Guthrie has worked on Today for a decade and when former co-star Matt Lauer was axed from the program, Hoda Kotb took over.MORE: Hoda Kotb's absence from Today explained - all we knowThis resulted in a strong female partnership, and the pair have been working together now for five years.Savannah recently opened up about what it's like to work with Hoda, and she had nothing but praise for the mother-of-two.VIDEO: A look at Today's Hoda Kotb's family lifeThe journalist opened up about her work colleague during a celebration for the show at The Paley Center last month.MORE: Hoda Kotb's family photo featuring her late father is incredibly touchingMORE: Hoda Kotb's Today co-stars reveal she will take the rest of the week offDiscussing the moment Hoda replaced Matt, she said: "All I know was in that moment, it felt like I could drown if Hoda hadn't reached down and grabbed my hand."She added: "I will always say she saved the show full stop. And holding hands with her and being like, 'We're going to do this together,' meant everything to me.

Jenna Bush Hager surprised fans when she made a bold statement about Kim Kardashian live on the Today show. The star was discussing the mom-of-four's celebrations for her daughter, North's ninth birthday - and got quite vocal on the matter.GALLERY: Inside the Kardashian-Jenner's multi-million dollar mansionsKim had pulled out all the stops for her firstborn's party which involved flying the group of youngsters on a private jet to Wyoming from LA for a lavish glamping trip. WATCH: Kim Kardashian's Met Gala diet Jenna said: "I have a nine-year-old, she did not have a party like this. Because, y'all, this party was over the top!"The mom-of-three didn't hold back as she expressed her disbelief at the billionaire's antics, but then insisted: "Believe me, I love Kim Kardashian, so nothing against her."MORE: Jenna Bush Hager reveals unexpected family story involving daughter and famous parentsMORE: Al Roker and Deborah Roberts enjoy family reunion before son Nick's bittersweet departure for collegeJenna admitted that while she had "many of her own birthdays" as she grew up in The White House, there had never been one as extravagant as this. A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)Kim Kardashian went all out for her daughter's birthday Her stand-in co-host, Michelle Buteau, agreed and said the trip - which reportedly cost $150million - was "extravagant upon extravagant".Viewers were surprised by the criticism, given that Jenna is fond of Kim.

Jenna Bush Hager apparently isn’t a big fan of open displays of extravagance.

Nicole Kidman knows Keith Urban better than anyone, and she definitely knows how to look out for him.MORE: Nicole Kidman details her and Keith Urban's 'very poor' upbringings in heartfelt interviewThe singer stopped by Today's 4th Hour with Jenna and Hoda, and of course it did not take long for Jenna Bush Hager to ask about his beloved wife.Keith of course sang her praises, as did Jenna, and he even revealed how his wife seriously taught him a lesson about performing, and not losing things.WATCH: Keith teases huge family move with NicoleMORE: Nicole Kidman's daughter Bella Cruise reacts to beautiful wedding photoThe hosts and the country star reminisced over the adorable times Nicole has made surprise appearances at his concerts, taking to the stage much to the delight of fans. They recalled one in particular, when the star came up on stage with a mission: protect her husband's jacket.The video sees the couple affectionately hugging each other before the mom-of-four grabbed the microphone to say: "I want to get your jacket, you put it on the floor," as the singer told fans how she had been insisting he not lose that jacket.He then explained: "We're doing gigs in Vegas, and [I] come out wearing a jacket, kind of looking a bit more formal, you know? And after two songs, you know, you take the jacket off."A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)The hilarious story, and lesson learned!Continuing his story, he said Nicole told him with a precautionary tone: "Do you ever lose that jacket? Where do you put [it]? What happens to your jacket?" He would reason with her: "I don't know, it makes its way back to the dressing room every night.

Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb aren’t actually besties like how they portray themselves on TV?! A source close to production on the Today Show that the co-hosts actually “can’t stand each other” offscreen!

Hoda Kotb is off Today for the week and is no doubt enjoying time with her loved-ones away from the spotlight.MORE: Hoda Kotb's Today co-stars reveal she will take the rest of the week offThe TV star has been fairly quiet on social media of late, but took time to reflect on two important men recently as she marked Father's Day.As well as paying tribute to her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, with whom she shares two daughters, Hoda also shared a touching photograph of her mom Sammie and late dad A.K.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb's family life revealedThe pair had their arms around each other in the black-and-white snapshot, and Hoda simply captioned it: "Happy father's day dad," alongside a love heart emoji.MORE: Hoda Kotb's absence from Today explained - all we knowMORE: Hoda Kotb left frustrated over missed opportunity with co-star live on airFans were quick to comment on the emotional message, with one writing: "Happy father's day in memory of your lovely dad," while another wrote: "Everlasting love and memories. Best father's day to remember forever." A third simply added a row of love heart emojis.A.J.

Today Show know that after years on air, the show's stars are truly like family.

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.

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.

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.

Al Roker and his family, but they're celebrating it! After months of detailing how he and his son Nick were preparing for his highschool graduation, the day has finally come.MORE: Al Roker delights fans with emotional family reunion photoThe Today host took to Instagram early on Tuesday morning to update fans on the momentous day, which came on the very first day of summer too.He revealed the news, of course, as he took his daily walk, sharing yet another selfie video as he opened up about how excited he is for his son.WATCH: Al works up a sweat inside his impressive home gymMORE: Al Roker shares sweet snap with youngest son as he 'savors' the moments before college"It's an exciting day in the Roker household! One Nick Roker graduates from highschool as he continues his quest, so we have a lot to be grateful for," he endearingly said.He marked the incredible milestone by sharing pictures of when Nick was a baby right next to pictures of his graduation, and the teen looked tall as ever donning the classic cap and gown in a navy blue color, paired with a crisp white button-down underneath.Nick was celebrated by the whole Roker bunch, including mom Deborah Roberts and both of his sisters, Courteny and Leila Roker. Al captioned the adorable family portrait with: "And just like that! Nick Roker: High School graduate from the @aaronschool.

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.

Austin Butler is undoubtedly the man of the hour and talk of the town.MORE: Austin Butler is unrecognizable as Elvis PresleyThe actor has been making waves left and right, red carpet after red carpet, and his latest promotional visit was to none other than Today studios, where he chatted with the one and only Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.Opening up to the co-hosts about his journey to embody the iconic singer and his efforts to portray him as accurately as possible, he also revealed a shocking – and heartbreaking – connection the actor and the rockstar have.WATCH: The Elvis trailerJenna was the one to make the revelation, telling Austin: "One thing that you and Elvis have in common, a heartbreaking thing, is that you both lost your mothers at 23."She went on to ask him: "How did that inspire you to get into this role?" which led him to explain how hard he found it at first to become Elvis rather than just an impersonation of him.He detailed the pressure and distance he felt from the late star, saying: "It's that thing where when you first look at Elvis he feels so much larger than life, and you look at him like a god-like figure or a caricature of Elvis."A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)The heartbreaking revelationRecalling some of the tapes he attempted to film of himself to share with his director, he admitted he wasn't satisfied, saying: "I fell into that, the first month when I was trying to work, where I'd tape myself and I watched it back and I just saw an impersonation, and I just couldn't send it to Baz."MORE: Lisa Marie Presley mourns late son BenjaminMORE: Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler's hottest style momentsHowever, everything changed when he learned about the connection they had over

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.