Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Jenna & Friends, is stepping into a new era of the show following the departure of her longtime co-anchor, Hoda Kotb. The landscape of Today’s fourth hour has shifted, and Bush Hager is embracing the transition with grace, enthusiasm, and a dynamic new lineup of celebrity guest hosts. This guide takes you through everything you need to know about the exciting changes, the co-hosts filling in, and the future of Today with Jenna & Friends.
Jenna Bush Hager’s New Era of ‘Today’
On January 10, 2025, Today with Hoda & Jenna bid farewell to Hoda Kotb after she made the decision to step down from the show. The program has now rebranded to Today with Jenna & Friends, with Jenna Bush Hager continuing to host, but with a fresh and exciting twist. Rather than a permanent replacement, Bush Hager will be joined by a rotating panel of celebrity guest hosts, giving the show a fun, fresh energy as the search for Kotb’s successor continues.
Bush Hager, now 43, has been a familiar face on Today for years, having co-hosted alongside Kotb since 2019. Despite the bittersweet farewell to Kotb, Bush Hager is enthusiastic about the future of the show. In her new role, she will not only entertain but also create a vibrant, engaging atmosphere with an array of A-list guest co-hosts.
Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Exit from ‘Today’
Hoda Kotb, who had been co-hosting the fourth hour of Today with Bush Hager for several years, made her emotional exit in January 2025. On her final episode, Kotb shared heartfelt words with her longtime partner, telling Bush Hager that whoever would be taking her seat “will have the easiest job in the world” because of the joy and energy that Bush Hager brings to the show.
“I mean, the only thing they have to do is not laugh so hard they pee their pants. That’s it. They just have to hang on. You are this bright light, you always have been, and it’s your turn,” Kotb said during her last episode. Her words were a testament to the deep bond they share, and Bush Hager’s sincerity in the moment showed how much the co-hosting duo meant to each other and to the viewers.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Emotional Farewell to Hoda Kotb
When Kotb announced her exit, Bush Hager expressed her sadness, comparing the experience to being “dumped.” As she shared in an interview, her heart was a little broken, but she was grateful for the years they spent together on air. The transition from Today with Hoda & Jenna to Today with Jenna & Friends marks a new chapter for Bush Hager, but one that is deeply rooted in the love and friendship she shared with Kotb.
The New Lineup of Celebrity Guest Hosts
With Kotb’s departure, Bush Hager’s first lineup of guest hosts was eagerly anticipated. Kotb herself was involved in announcing the initial trio of celebrity co-hosts during her last week on the show. Describing the lineup as “heavy-hitter, homerun, wow” on January 6, 2025, Kotb expressed her excitement about the new chapter.
As part of the transition, Bush Hager will be joined by a variety of stars, ranging from actors and musicians to journalists and other notable public figures. The new format is designed to keep the show lively, diverse, and full of surprises, while maintaining the warmth and humor that audiences have come to love. Below is a closer look at the first few guest hosts who will join Bush Hager on Today with Jenna & Friends:
Spencer Lane
A major highlight among the guest hosts is U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane, who recently shared a heartfelt photo inside a plane before a devastating crash. His appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends will surely bring a unique perspective to the show, and his fans are eager to see him join Bush Hager on air.
Celebrity Appearances: A Rotating Panel
Each week, different celebrities will step in to co-host with Bush Hager, ensuring that the show stays fresh and engaging. While the full list of guest hosts has not been disclosed, the excitement surrounding the rotating cast is palpable. These celebrity co-hosts will bring their own flair to the show, making Today with Jenna & Friends a must-watch program.
The Future of ‘Today with Jenna & Friends’
With Hoda Kotb’s exit, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the future of Today with Jenna & Friends. However, Bush Hager’s leadership and the diverse array of celebrity co-hosts promise to keep the show vibrant and relevant. While Kotb’s permanent replacement has yet to be announced, the current format of a rotating panel allows Bush Hager to experiment with different dynamics and bring something new to the table each week.
The show’s transition is a perfect example of how change can bring fresh opportunities, and Jenna Bush Hager is ready to embrace this new era with open arms. The audience can expect a mix of humor, inspiration, and engaging discussions in the coming months as the show continues to evolve.
What Will Happen to the Fourth Hour of ‘Today’?
The fourth hour of Today has long been a fan-favorite segment, thanks to the infectious chemistry between its hosts. While Today with Jenna & Friends will feature rotating celebrity co-hosts, there’s no doubt that Bush Hager’s charm and relatable personality will continue to be the cornerstone of the show. Fans of the show can rest assured that the spirit of the fourth hour will remain intact, even as the format shifts.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Commitment to the Audience
As the face of Today with Jenna & Friends, Jenna Bush Hager is committed to making the show a fun and engaging experience for viewers. Her natural charisma, thoughtful approach to interviews, and ability to connect with guests have already made her a beloved figure on Today. With the new format and guest hosts, Jenna is sure to create a dynamic atmosphere that keeps audiences coming back for more.
A Bright Future Ahead for ‘Today with Jenna & Friends’
Today with Jenna & Friends ushers in an exciting new era for the show, with Jenna Bush Hager at the helm and a rotating panel of celebrity guest hosts. While Hoda Kotb’s exit has left a void, it has also opened up a world of possibilities. The future of the show looks bright, and with Bush Hager’s infectious energy and the guest hosts joining her each week, Today with Jenna & Friends promises to be an exciting and entertaining ride.
FAQs:
- Why did Hoda Kotb leave Today? Hoda Kotb exited Today in January 2025 after announcing her decision to step down. The transition has led to the rebranding of the show to Today with Jenna & Friends.
- Who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today? There is no permanent replacement for Hoda Kotb yet. Jenna Bush Hager will be joined by a rotating panel of celebrity guest hosts until a decision is made.
- Who are the first celebrity guest hosts on Today with Jenna & Friends? The first lineup of guest hosts includes U.S. figure skater Spencer Lane and other A-list celebrities, although the full guest host list has yet to be revealed.
- How will the new format of Today with Jenna & Friends affect the show? The new format will bring a dynamic and fun atmosphere with rotating guest hosts, ensuring the show remains fresh and entertaining.
- Will Today with Jenna & Friends still feature the same chemistry between the hosts? Yes! While Hoda Kotb has left, Jenna Bush Hager’s warmth and chemistry with her rotating guest hosts will continue to make the show relatable and fun.
