Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb open up about unconventional friendship

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.

Hoda Kotb joined in with her Today co-stars for a special kind of transformation for a new undertaking, that being an off-Broadway play.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt statement about co-star's future on TodayALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe TV star was one of the members of the cast and crew that transformed themselves into characters from New York in the 40s-50s for a special rendition of an old radio play.VIDEO: Watch Today Show's Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker's Super Bowl commercialThe group performed a show titled Murder in Studio One, where Hoda and Savannah Guthrie took on the leading roles.They were joined by the likes of Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, Tom Llamas, and many others.MORE: Savannah Guthrie reveals 'dream' transformation in new backstage glimpseThe Today Show included a segment in the most recent installment that showcased the cast's extensive transformation for the show and how they got into character.While a table reading and character assigning was first held before the pandemic, things took a backseat and didn't resume once more till more recently.The cast shared a behind-the-scenes peek at their off-Broadway debutAlong with coaching on their lines and performances, a special Hollywood dialect coach was even brought on to train them in perfecting the perfect New York affectation, particularly with Savannah for her Brooklyn-bred role.During rehearsals, chaos ensued, with Al teasing that it would be "worse than the Hindenburg," and Hoda spending most of her time trying to perfect the word "lepidopterology."MORE: Al Roker shares unexpected video for daughter revealing unfortunate health

Hoda Kotb isn't worried about finding love right away, and is instead just spending time enjoying life.Kotb walked the red carpet at The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Most Powerful People in New York Media event on Tuesday, where she was joined by friends and show colleagues Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager.The trio spoke with ET, and joked about how they're getting ready for the coming hot months because, as Hager put it, «It's a feral girl summer, and we're leading the charge!»While Kotb is excited about the future, the host says she's «tiptoeing along» when it comes to getting back into the dating scene, following her split from fiancé Joel Schiffman in January after eight years together.«I'm really enjoying my kids and my life,» shared Kotb. «I'm treasuring this time.»«And anybody who wants to date Hoda has to go through us first,» Guthrie declared, as Kotb broke into laughter.«Yeah, and good luck,» Hager added. «She's got two sisters who are wildly protective.

Today Show viewer, especially fans of 3rd Hour with Hoda and Jenna, that both on and off the screen, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager are inseparable.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe two have had a palpable chemistry and admirable friendship since Jenna joined the show as Kathy Lee Gifford's replacement in 2019, becoming instant friends.Now, as Today and its beloved hosts continue to celebrate the iconic show's 70th anniversary, Hoda is opening up about what makes her co-host so great, and what she sees for her when it comes to her place on Today.WATCH: Jenna shares emotional message about working on Today with HodaMORE: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager evoke hysterical response with latest group photosThe star began her heartfelt tribute by commending Jenna for stepping into such a high-regarded role so seamlessly. She said: "Jenna stepped into that show which was one of those things which would have been difficult for anyone."She explained: "Jenna has a way of taking her heart, putting it on the table, and offering it up.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have certainly had many adventures during their time at Today, and fans have been with them every step of the way.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager makes unbelievable revelation about her experience on the Today ShowTheir own show, Today with Hoda and Jenna, shared a series of candid snaps from their many moments on the air, and fans were just as divided as they were in stitches.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb host New Year's Eve SpecialThe post asked for fans to caption hilarious photos of the stars, some which featured them with filters on their faces, looking in disgust at certain items of food, in hysterics, or celebrating.It was the opening shot that caught the attention of many, though, as it saw the two in chef's whites about to pour into a blender with a concerned expression to boot.MORE: Hoda Kotb opens up about body image amid heated debate with co-hostMany of their viewers quickly took to coming up with the most hilarious captions they could think of for the photograph, including quippy ones like: "My tinder matches."Another wrote: "WHO MEASURES??" with a third adding: "Jenna to Hoda - are you sure?" Others read like: "Please don't make me try this," "And then you add the toad to the blender just like this…" and: "Hoda: did Tiffany say 1 cup of Vodka or 2? Jenna: Let's be safe and use 2."A post shared by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@hodaandjenna)Hoda and Jenna's photographs inspired several hilarious caption ideasThe two NBC stars frequently have their share of moments that quickly become a hit with fans, with a recent rant courtesy of Jenna going down superbly with both her co-star and their viewers.Hoda was left a little taken aback when Jenna kicked off a passionate discussion on the

Hoda Kotb is single and almost ready to mingle! The Today show host has opened up about her love life following her breakup at the beginning of the year and admitted her heart is open. The mom-of-two spoke about life after splitting from her longtime partner, Joel Schiffman, and revealed her hopes for the future. SHOP: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleWhile attending New York City's Paley Center where she was celebrating the Today show's 70th anniversary, she was asked about finding someone new and said: "I haven't really thought about who I would see myself with but I do have to say something.WATCH: Hoda Kotb's family life "My sister even said and asked me at one point, 'Are you afraid to be by yourself?' And I said to her, 'I'm not going to be by myself.' And I don't know why I said it so clearly, but I actually knew that my heart is open. I have an open heart."She continued: "I know at some point, and I can see, it will happen.

Hoda Kotb isn't worried about finding love again. The host opened up about her romantic future during an event celebrating the morning show's 70th anniversary at the Paley Center for Media in New York City on Wednesday.«I haven't really thought about who I would see myself with, but I do have to say something,» said Kotb, 57, according to. «My sister even said and asked me at one point, 'Are you afraid to be by yourself?' And I said to her, 'I'm not going to be by myself.'»«And I don't know why I said it so clearly, but I actually knew that my heart is open.

Jenna Bush Hager started working on the Today Show as a correspondent in 2009, and only joined her co-host Hoda Kotb on 3rd Hour with Hoda and Jenna ten years later in 2019, the star revealed how her work for NBC was destined long before that.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleDuring an exciting celebration at New York City's Paley Center commemorating the whopping 70 years that Today has been broadcasting, all of its current beloved hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Carson Daly, got together.They all opened up about their love for their job and most memorable moments, and Jenna's answer is truly unforgettable.WATCH: Jenna shares surprising beach throwbackMORE: Jenna Bush Hager praised for glowing poolside selfieWhen asked what the first memory she has of Today is, she confessed that it was long before her position on the show was even on the horizon, before she was even out of elementary school!The star recalled: "The first memory… is being six-years-old in my grandparents house and listening to Willard Scott do the birthdays, and now I'm part of this incredible family and institution.

Jenna Bush Hager is no stranger to social media but her husband, Henry, is. The popular TV host regularly shares updates on her career, her three children and her life off-screen, however, her hubby rarely features. MORE: Barbara Bush makes surprise revelation about hosting Today with Jenna Bush Hager - exclusiveShe made an exception on his birthday this week though and posted several heartwarming photos to celebrate his big day. WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager shares surprising beach throwback One of which saw them posing next to a beautiful swimming pool and snuggled up on the lawn beside it. Her caption to the post read: "Happiest to one of the best! HH, you light up our lives (even though you will never see because anti-social media) we love you."MORE: Jenna Bush Hager's wedding day had a deeply personal connection to the White House - exclusiveMORE: Jenna Bush Hager opens up about hilarious off-air antics with Hoda Kotb - exclusiveFans said they looked so happy together but also took the opportunity to weigh in on Henry's aversion to social media and Jenna's acceptance of it too. A post shared by Jenna Bush Hager (@jennabhager)Jenna and her husband were praised for their approach to social media "I think all of the 40-something husbands are anti-social media! I’d say it’s the sign of a good man," wrote one, while another added: "Anti social media is so much healthier I think! I admire that," and a third commented: "Love the photos, love that dress," with a fourth adding: "Adore how supportive you are of each other."The family recently celebrated some more exciting news as they listed their $5.4million Tribeca home in a bid to reportedly move to Connecticut. MORE: Hoda Kotb supports Jenna Bush Hager during proud

Sophie Turner was certainly struck by love at first sight when it comes to her husband Joe Jonas, as she described to Jimmy Fallon.MORE: Pregnant Sophie Turner wows in striking dressALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleMaking an appearance on the late night show, she opened up about a moment with him that left her in tears, specifically after they first met.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb host New Year's Eve Special"The first night I met him, I remember, he left my apartment. And it may have been the alcohol," she quipped to the audience's amusement.She continued: "I remember him leaving, and I weeped, I wept to my brother 'I love this man so much'.

Jenna Bush Hager is turning the attention onto her husband! MORE: Jenna Bush Hager lists $5.4m New York home ahead of big family moveThough her husband, Henry Hager, is typically media shy, it didn't stop the Today star from sharing a sweet tribute to him in honor of his 43rd birthday.She took to Instagram to share never-before-seen pictures of the couple being affectionate with one another, spending time with their three children, Poppy, Mila and Hal, as well as pictures from their travels.WATCH: Jenna shares surprising beach throwbackMORE: Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb open up about unconventional friendshipThe snaps and throwbacks see Henry as a doting father and husband, and includes many a sunset picture, and even a sweet shot of the couple sharing a kiss by a beach.The co-host started off her heartfelt tribute with: "Happiest to one of the best! HH, you light up our lives."Though Henry doesn't have social media, fans took to the comments to wish him a happy birthday regardless, writing: "A great picture!! Happy Birthday!" and: "Love that hubby of yours!!!" as well as: "Have an awesome fun day."A post shared by Jenna Bush Hager (@jennabhager)The sweet birthday tributeJenna went on to reveal why he rarely makes an appearance on her page, explaining that: "Even though you will never see because anti-social media."MORE: Jenna Bush Hager says she's 'so lucky' as she shares sweet family update involving her co-starsMORE: Jenna Bush Hager melts hearts with handwritten note from daughter PoppyFans took to the comments once more to express their understanding – and some jokes – about his stance, writing: "Anti social media is so much healthier I think! I admire that!" and: "God bless your husband on his birthday.

Hoda Kotb loves nothing more than being a mom and was overcome with emotion during a sweet segment on Friday's Today.MORE: Exclusive first look at Hoda Kotb's new role with Savannah GuthrieThe TV star received the best surprise from her two young daughters, Haley and Hope, who sent in a video message to their mother ahead of Mother's Day.Haley and Hope were seen decorating a mug for their mom, as they told her: "Mom, we're making a surprise for you. Happy Mother's Day mama, we hope you like the surprise we made for you."VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb surprised by her daughters Haley and Hope on airClearly emotional, a touched Hoda then received the surprises in the studio - a hand printed mug with the message: "Mom, we hope you think of us when you enjoy your hot tea in the morning," and a heart-shaped plate with the words: "Thanks for being the best mom."MORE: Hoda Kotb pens emotional tribute following death of former co-starMORE: Hoda Kotb opens up about body image in heated debate with co-starAfter the special clip was shared on the show's official Instagram account, many viewers took to commenting on the touching surprise.""I know she was holding down those tears hard," one wrote, while another commented: "This is so special." A third added: "Omg! So sweet Hoda." Hoda Kotb is a doting mom to daughters Haley and HopeHoda shares Haley and Hope with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.

Today's Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie don't just have a great connection on TV, they're firm friends off screen too.In an exclusive interview with HELLO! the mom-of-three revealed the sweet way her co-star is there for her when it comes to caring for her kids. MORE: Jenna Bush Hager's wedding had a personal connection to the White HouseDespite being a busy mother to her two children, Vale and Charlie, Savannah steps up to the plate any way she can to be there for Jenna. WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager shares surprising beach throwback When asked about Savannah and Hoda Kotb too, Jenna 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."She added: "It's great and I don't take it lightly.

Hoda Kotb has paid a heartbreaking tribute on social media following the devastating news of country singer Naomi Judd's passing.MORE: Hoda Kotb opens up about body image in heated debate with co-starThe Today star had interviewed Naomi on the NBC daytime show on several occasions, and was upset to hear about her death.She wrote alongside a link to the story: "So saddened by this news. @kathielgifford and i treasured the moments we shared with her on our show. One of a kind.

Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush, following the news that their new book, The Superpower Sisterhood, has become a New York Times Bestseller.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager's wedding had a personal connection to the White HouseWhat's more, the twins' book only hit the shelves two weeks ago, making it even more of an achievement.Jenna proudly announced the news on Instagram on Thursday, alongside the message: "Thanks to all the incredible sisters who supported #superpowersisterhood this past week!!"VIDEO: Today's Jenna Bush Hager praises mom Laura BushThe Superpower Sisterhood follows the story of only child Emma, who has been lonely all her life growing up in a neighborhood with no other children, until the day two sets of sisters move to her street and they realise their individual talents, when put together, create superpowers.MORE: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush open up about sisterhood and life in the White HouseMORE: Hoda Kotb supports Jenna Bush Hager during proud momentJenna and Barbara opened up about their book while chatting to HELLO!, and revealed that their mom, former First Lady Laura Bush, was the inspiration behind the story as she too was an only child growing up.A post shared by Jenna Bush Hager (@jennabhager)Today's Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush are New York Times Bestsellers!"Our main character, which may be unusual in a book about sisterhood, is an only child, but then one day two sets of sisters move onto her block and she becomes an honorary sister and they work together to make their street better," Barbara explained.MORE: Hoda Kotb's stand-in host revealed as star takes time off TodayMORE: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager's stand-in hosts get Today viewers talkingWhat's more, the sisters wrote the

Today's Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager get to the debate segment of their show, fans already know the two are bringing their A game, as the two passionately agree or disagree on a variety of topics.MORE: Today's Jenna Bush Hager opens up about hilarious off-air antics with Hoda Kotb - exclusiveThe latest debate was no less impassioned, and Hoda seriously took the cake as she surprised – and inspired – fans with a confession about how she likes to dress for the beach.The two got to make their case regarding the kind of swimwear they opt for when going to the beach, bikini or one piece, and the longtime Today host left fans with a heartfelt message about confidence her mother passed on to her.WATCH: Hoda and Jenna's swimsuit-clad polar plunge sparks on-air debateMORE: Hoda Kotb supports co-star Jenna Bush Hager as she steps away from TodayAs she argued in favor of wearing a bikini, she explained: "My mother, who is in her eighties, wears a bikini bathing suit. She taught me that confidence comes from the inside.

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb have a close working relationship on the fourth hour of Today, and it sounds like a lot of fun off-air too!MORE: Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush talk the power of sisterhoodJenna, who has just written her latest children's book, The Superpower Sisterhood, with her twin sister Barbara Bush, opened up about working with her co-stars while chatting to HELLO!The mom-of-three revealed that she often gets in fits of giggles with Hoda, and it's often made all the more funnier as it's never when they're supposed to be laughing.VIDEO: Jenna Bush Hager praises mom Laura Bush with moving story "I feel like Hoda and I laugh hysterically, we can get get into that laughter where we're not supposed to laugh.MORE: Hoda Kotb supports Jenna Bush Hager during proud momentMORE: Hoda Kotb's stand-in host revealed as star takes time off TodayThat church laughter where we're like 'We're going to get into trouble'," she shared. Sheinelle Jones on the other hand, has a lot of fun at Jenna's expense, according to the talented author.

Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush are so close that they can finish each other's sentences and even have their own special language. The pair are no strangers to writing about sisterhood, and their latest book, The Superpower Sisterhood, is a love letter to all sisters in every walk of life - from siblings to best friends.MORE: Hoda Kotb supports Jenna Bush Hager during proud momentInspired by their mom, Laura Bush, who grew up as an only child but with many close friends, the book has many special links to Jenna and Barbara's own family, and their own unique experience being twins.  The sisters sat down with HELLO! following their busy weekend travelling on their book tour - the "sister road trip" - to chat about how they wrote their book in lockdown, recently hosting Today together, growing up in the White House and who they think will be following in their family's political footsteps in the future.Jenna: We took Mila, my nine-year-old, on the book tour and it was quite hilarious because she really encompasses all the things we want these girls to be - bravery is chief among them.