How Hoda Kotb made sure co-star Jenna Bush Hager felt empowered during her big career moment

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Sir Elton John was moved to tears as President Joe Biden surprised the enduring music icon with a National Humanities Medal. John, at the White House on Friday to perform at A+E and History’s “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” looked visibly shocked and humbled as the president addressed the thousands in the audience. “Tonight is my great honor, and I mean this sincerely, to present the National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John,” Biden said. A White House officer elaborated on John’s contributions, saying, “The President of the United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for moving our souls with his powerful voice, one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

celebrities and dignitaries alike all over the world have taken to social media and beyond to pay their respects to the royal family, and share their stories of meeting Her Majesty.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager shares heartfelt message to Today co-star Savannah GuthrieJenna Bush Hager is the latest to do so, giving rare insight into the late Queen's personality and humor as she detailed the moment her father, George Bush, met the royal.Prior to sharing the heartfelt memory of the monarch, the Today host previously shared her first hand account of the moment the now King Charles III learned of his mother's ailing health, having had dinner with him the night before her passing.WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager explains why the Queen's death was a surprise to King Charles IIIMORE: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager reunite on changed TodayAs she was discussing more unforgettable stories about the Queen's life with co-host Hoda Kotb, the star recalled when she came to visit the White House during her father's presidency, during which time Jenna was in her early twenties.She said: "She came for the royal visit, for the state dinner with my parents, and it's very hilarious because she's – you can tell that she and my dad are making some sort of wild joke," referring to a photo of the Queen alongside Prince Philip, Laura Bush and the former president.The photo sees the two former heads of state smiling and looking at each other, while their spouses look towards them.A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)Jenna had nothing but praise for the royal familyJenna added: "Prince Philip and my mother, who are probably slightly more dignified, are looking over like, 'This is not the time.'"MORE: Today's Jenna Bush Hager is all legs in

Hoda Kotb was left in awe - and had tears in her eyes - after a memorable show on Friday's Today.MORE: Today's Hoda Kotb's difficult career goodbye revealedThe NBC star, along with her co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager, was left overwhelmed during a segment that saw singing sensation Leann Rimes perform in the studio.Photos from Leann's visit show Hoda in particular looking tearful following the incredible performance, while Jenna was seen embracing the singer.VIDEO: A look at Hoda Kotb's family life away from the spotlightThe photos were shared on Instagram, alongside the caption: "The stunning, Leann Rimes left us absolutely speechless this morning. We loved celebrating her new album, God's Work.

Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie are friendship goals! The Today stars are incredibly close, and have a fun friendship both on and off camera.MORE: Al Roker and wife Deborah Roberts in disbelief over son Nick: 'How did this happen?'Most recently, Jenna made sure she knew Savannah was in her thoughts after it was announced that Roger Federer was retiring from professional tennis.Savannah is a huge tennis fan and many of her fans were quick to send their support her way after she shared several tribute messages to Roger on her Instagram account.VIDEO: Today's Jenna Bush Hager's rise to fameJenna replied to one of the posts: "How are you?? I’ve been thinking about you all day," alongside a love heart emoji.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt message to Savannah Guthrie as they embrace in sweet photoMORE: Savannah Guthrie wows in stylish swimsuit photo with a twist during evening by the poolSavannah and Jenna are incredibly close and have even been on vacation with each other and their families in the past.Jenna recently opened up about their friendship while chatting to HELLO!, revealing that the TV star often looks after her kids - who attend the same school.She said: "I am so lucky to work with this group of extraordinary moms. We all have kids who are similar ages so it's been really fun and kind of wild.

Dylan Dreyer has reason to celebrate this weekend - but it doesn't mean that she isn't exhausted from her busy week!MORE: Dylan Dreyer's family home in NYC is surprisingly relatableThe Today star has been busy promoting her new children's book, the sequel to her popular Misty the Cloud, while also balancing her busy family life and working on the NBC daytime show.Needless to say, by the weekend she just wanted to lie down - and did so quite literally, by the swimming pool.VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer shares baby Rusty's cutest milestone yet!Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the mother-of-three shared a photo of her flat out by the pool as her dog Bosco joined her.GALLERY: The Today show hosts' epic homes: Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, moreMORE: Dylan Dreyer reveals her son's adorable resemblance to Prince George"Bosco and I are sharing a mood. It’s been a long week!" she wrote.

King Charles found out about his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s failing health just a few minutes before the public became aware, according to reports. Appearing on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston revealed how the King was told the horrible news at his Scottish home of Dumfries House with his wife, now the Queen Consort, Camilla. Camilla had been preparing to be interviewed by Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former US President George W.

Jenna Bush Hager took to social media on Friday to share an update from her latest trip to Scotland.MORE: Hoda Kotb leaves Today co-star lost for words with powerful speech about workJumping on her Instagram Stories, the 40-year-old posted a seriously loved-up snap of herself cozying up to her husband, Henry. In the photo, the beloved presenter flaunted her elongated legs which appeared to go on for miles.WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager explains why the Queen's death was a surprise to King Charles IIIOpting for a pair of flattering flared jeans, Jenna looked impressively stylish as she beamed for the camera.

King Charles was told his mother was dying in a frantic phone call before “everything was silent”.

Savannah Guthrie has jokingly thanked her fans for their prayers during a "difficult time" following the news that Roger Federer will retire from professional tennis.The Today Show star is a huge tennis fans and was heartbroken on Thursday when she heard the news.Sharing pictures of the times she had met him, she called Roger a "great sport, great champion, great human being."WATCH: Roger Federer announces retirement from tennisShe then joked: "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time." Later Savannah took to her Instagram Grid to share a picture of Roger on the show writing: "The Greatest of All Time. Thank you, Roger."Friends and family were quick to console her with Jenna Bush Hager commenting: "How are you?? I’ve been thinking about you all day." Sam Kass added: "I know this is a difficult day for you.

Jenna Bush Hager believes Queen Elizabeth's passing came as a shock to the royal family. The 40-year-old author - who is the daughter of former US President George W Bush - was preparing to interview Queen Consort Camilla in Scotland when news filtered through of the queen's poor health, and Jenna believes that it took the royals by surprise. Recalling having dinner with King Charles while his wife was delayed on a flight, Jenna shared: "It was a lovely meal … We had a wonderful evening filled with conversation that felt joyful … so I think this was sort of a surprise.

Hoda Kotb shed tears of joy on Monday when she viewed the Emmys from her home and witnessed a historic moment. The Today show star admitted she was left "sobbing" after Sheryl Lee Ralph's win for best supporting actress in a comedy series for Abbot Elementary. MORE: Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie revel in Today reunion as they share BTS photosShe became only the second Black winner in that category for her work on the ABC show. WATCH: Hoda Kotb's family life - all we know Hoda recorded the moment airing on TV when Sheryl collected her award and broke into song.The mom-of-two then shared it on Instagram and captioned the clip: "Sobbing! @thesherylleeralph this is YOUR TIME @abbottelemabc."MORE: Hoda Kotb's swimsuit-clad polar plunge sends co-host Jenna Bush Hager into a 'tizzy'MORE: Hoda Kotb's decision to spend time with her family over the summer is so relatableShe received a standing ovation for her acceptance speech when she sang the chorus  from Dianne Reeves' Endangered Species.A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb)Hoda said she was hugely emotional watching Sheryl's Emmy win "I am an endangered species, but I sing no victims' songs. I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where voice belongs," she sang, leaving the audience shocked and silent.Hoda's fans commented on her post, writing: "Best Acceptance Speech Ever," and, "that's awesome.

Jenna Bush Hager was actually in the United Kingdom to interview the now Queen Consort, Camilla, before the death of Queen Elizabeth.

Country musician John Michael Montgomery is on the road to recovery after his tour bus went off the road, resulting in the star and two others being seriously injured.  Montgomery, a Kentucky native, was nearing his home state when his tour bus "veered off the interstate, struck an embankment, and overturned," according to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, per WATE.  The report says Montgomery was traveling in a 2001 Prevost Featherlite bus.  The "I Love The Way You Love Me" singer shared on his Facebook that he had suffered "cuts and broken ribs" but was "doing well." John Michael Montgomery, seen performing at the Kentucky State fair, is on the road to recovery after his tour bus crashed near the Tennessee and Kentucky line. (Stephen J.

Al Roker has been missing from the Today show for quite some time as he enjoys an extended vacation in Europe with his wife Deborah Roberts.However, the beloved weatherman might soon be changing his plans following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II and could very well return early to Today to report on the monarch's passing from the UK.WATCH: World leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth IIAl's most recent social media update saw him on his way to Paris on Thursday, but a few hours after news of Queen Elizabeth's death was announced, his wife Deborah was on the Eurostar traveling to London to join the GMA team outside Buckingham Palace.It stands to reason that Al could have paused his vacation and made the trip from Paris with his wife. His Today co-star Savannah Guthrie landed in the UK on Friday morning, so Al may join her in reporting live from the Palace.READ: Al Roker's long absence on Today explained as star returns to social mediaREAD: When will the Queen's cause of death be revealed?However, Al has not shared his whereabouts and did not feature in any of Deborah's posts on Friday when she updated fans on her journey to London, so he could have stayed in France awaiting his wife's return.A post shared by Al Roker (@alroker)Al's last update saw him on his way to Paris with his wifeAnother possibility is that Al is making his way back to New York to help helm the Today show from the studios after some of his co-hosts, including Savannah and Jenna Bush Hager, made their way to the UK.Their presence comes after Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8 aged 96.

An emotional visit. Prince Harry touched down in London one day after the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

A change in plans. Duchess Camilla pulled out of an interview with Today‘s Jenna Bush Hager hours before Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96.

Jenna Bush Hager is away for the week, her co-star Hoda Kotb will be hosting the show alongside comedian Bobby Bones.MORE: Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie revel in Today reunion as they share BTS photosWhile the two have already established a good friendship and fans are enjoying their rapport, he's also come in with some interesting stories to share.VIDEO: Hoda Kotb and Today sub co-star are lost for words - literally - during fun cooking segmentOne of them clearly took his co-star for the week by surprise as she visibly reacted to him confessing that he had previously kissed Elton John.It all started when he listed his two greatest kisses in his life as "my wedding kiss with my wife and Elton John," which momentarily left Hoda stunned.MORE: All we know about Al Roker's break from Today"You kissed Elton John?" was all she could muster up before loudly reacting with a "What?" as the rest of the studio dissolved into a fit of laughter when he revealed that Elton had kissed him "on the mouth."After trying to explain himself by saying he didn't know many cool people, he got into the story, starting off with: "Elton John and I are sitting at a charity event.

Dylan Dreyer may be a mom-of-three herself, but that doesn't mean she doesn't need her own mother. The Today show star is preparing to wave goodbye following a summer of fun with her children and loved ones. MORE: Dylan Dreyer's family home in NYC is surprisingly relatableIn an emotional Instagram post, Dylan shared snapshots of her mom and kids and wrote: "Not sure there’s anything better than having my momma in town!!! We’ll certainly miss you! Love you."WATCH: Dylan Dreyer reunites with Today co-stars Her fans understood exactly where she was coming from and commented: "There is nothing like a mom’s love and care," and, "Truly Beautiful and Blessed Family".Dylan is very close to Linda, and earlier this year she opened up about how she helped her to get her break as an on-air meteorologist 19 years ago. GALLERY: The Today show hosts' epic homes: Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, moreMORE: Dylan Dreyer reveals her son's adorable resemblance to Prince GeorgeTalking on Today, she said: "I’ll never forget when I got the call from Erie, Pennsylvania, to come out for an interview. It was an eight-hour drive but my mom got behind the wheel.

Hoda Kotb is one of Today's much-loved hosts and has a mass of fans around the United States.MORE: Today's Hoda Kotb's difficult career goodbye revealedThe TV star loves her job and enjoys working alongside her co-stars, but over the summer she has made the decision to spend more time at home.Taking time off work has resulted in Hoda being able to be with her two young daughters, Haley and Hope, who she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.VIDEO: A look at Hoda Kotb's family lifeThe star has cut back her hours for the summer to spend time at her home in New York State, close to the beach.MORE: Hoda Kotb surprises Jenna Bush Hager with worrying confession about her eyesightMORE: Hoda Kotb reveals exciting new venture away from Today ShowHowever, it is likely that when the summer draws to an end, Hoda will be back to her regular work schedule alongside Savannah Guthrie - who has also taken a lot of time off over the summer to be with her young children, Vale and Charles.Hoda worships every second she has with her children, having recently opened up about the realities of being an older mom. Hoda Kotb is taking time off Today to spend quality time with her childrenIn an interview with People, the NBC star explained: "They're [Haley and Hope] going to have each other forever, and that's what really fills me to the top.