Hoda Kotb recently took a break from hosting the Today show to celebrate her fifth anniversary of cohosting with Jenna Bush Hager. Kotb was absent from the show on Wednesday, April 10 as she made her way to New Orleans for special episodes of Today With Hoda & Jenna. The duo announced last month that they would be celebrating their milestone in Louisiana, where they have the most fun and feel wild. They are set to kick off the city’s 2024 French Quarter Fest music festival along with two lucky fans who won a special trip to join them for the festivities.
Leading up to the anniversary special, Kotb and Bush Hager shared their gratitude for each other on the show. Bush Hager expressed how profound it is to sit next to someone like Kotb who exudes joy every day. The pair started as colleagues and friends, but their relationship has grown deeply over the years. Kotb mentioned that their friendship has evolved beyond just talking about the old days, and they have a deep understanding of each other’s soul and purpose.
During Monday’s show, Kotb and Bush Hager were surprised with an original song by Meghan Trainor and had Today With Hoda & Jenna Day declared in New York City. They also had the Empire State Building lit up in their show’s signature pink and purple colors to mark the special occasion. The episode was filled with celebration and gratitude for the milestone they had reached together.
Kotb and Bush Hager’s journey as cohosts began in 2019 when Bush Hager took over the role from Kathie Lee Gifford. Despite starting as colleagues and friends, their bond has grown significantly over the years. Kotb mentioned that Bush Hager has led her down a path of healing and understanding, and their friendship has evolved into something deep and meaningful. They have traveled together and experienced growth and transformation throughout their time as cohosts.
The celebration of their fifth anniversary continued with special episodes in New Orleans, where they engaged with fans and celebrated their milestone in a place where they feel the most free and wild. The duo kicked off the city’s music festival and shared their joy and gratitude with their viewers and fans. The episode was filled with surprises and heartfelt moments as they reflected on their journey together as cohosts on Today.
Overall, the celebration of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s fifth anniversary as cohosts on Today was a testament to their deep friendship and bond. From surprises and special episodes to heartfelt moments and gratitude, the duo shared their joy with viewers and fans. Their journey together has been marked by growth, understanding, and healing, as they continue to bring positivity and light to the show and their audience. Their anniversary celebration in New Orleans was a fitting tribute to their shared experiences and the bond that has brought them together as cohosts on Today.
