Jenna Bush Hager is opening up about the emotional fallout following her Today cohost Hoda Kotb’s surprising departure — and how it left her “heart closed off.” During the August 8, 2025 episode of Today With Jenna & Friends, Bush Hager reflected on her emotions while chatting with guest host Matt Rogers. The two were discussing astrology when the conversation took a deeply personal turn. Jenna, 43, admitted that although she’s known for being sentimental, she noticed a change in herself after Kotb’s exit earlier this year.
“I’m a Sagittarius,” she said playfully before adding, “I cry all the time — it’s just like laughing for me. But after Hoda left, I stopped. My heart was kind of closed off.” Rogers, a Pisces, teased her gently before asking, “Are you ready to open your heart again?” The moment lightened as both laughed, but the confession hinted at how deeply Kotb’s departure had affected her.
The two women had built one of morning television’s most beloved partnerships. After joining Today as a correspondent in 2013, Jenna later replaced Kathie Lee Gifford as Hoda’s cohost in 2019, with their show being rebranded as Today With Hoda & Jenna. Their chemistry quickly became a staple of NBC’s morning lineup — blending humor, heart, and honesty. So when Kotb announced her exit in late 2024, fans — and Jenna — were heartbroken.
During Kotb’s emotional farewell, Bush Hager broke down on live TV, thanking her friend for believing in her from the beginning. “You’re who I come to when I’m joyful, when I’m unsure. You believed in me first,” she said tearfully. Kotb, equally moved, told Jenna, “It’s your turn. Whoever sits in this seat will have the easiest job in the world because they’re sitting next to you.”
Jenna later recorded a farewell message for Kotb’s final episode in January 2025, where she again fought back tears. “Thank you, Hoda, for everything you’ve taught me, all the laughs and the love. I’ll miss you, my friend — but I’m so proud of you.” The exchange marked the end of an era for the pair — and the beginning of a new chapter for Bush Hager, who has since been joined by a rotating roster of guest hosts, including Matt Rogers, Erin Andrews, and others.
Though Jenna remains upbeat and grateful for her cohosts, her admission about feeling “closed off” reveals the emotional depth of her bond with Kotb — and the challenge of moving forward without her. Still, flashes of that same warmth and empathy continue to shine through on Jenna & Friends. During the same episode, Jenna praised Rogers for his positivity and talent, saying, “You’re so sparkly, so joyful — the world needs your light.” When Rogers teased her for tearing up, Jenna laughed, “Don’t make me cry again!”
Despite her vulnerability, Bush Hager’s resilience has helped keep the show’s spirit alive. As she learns to “open her heart again,” she reminds viewers why they fell in love with Today With Hoda & Jenna in the first place — because sometimes, even in television, friendship leaves the deepest mark.
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