Celebrating 5 Years of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager's Co-hosting Journey

How Todays Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Celebrated Their 5th Cohosting Anniversary Together

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have been sitting next to each other happily for the past five years. The cohosts of Today With Hoda & Jenna marked their fifth anniversary on Monday, April 8. They have planned a week of surprises for their fans and themselves, including special shows in New Orleans on Thursday, April 11, and Friday, April 12.

"How does it feel for you, five years?" Kotb, 59, asked Bush Hager, 42, at the top of Monday’s show. Bush Hager replied, "It feels like it was yesterday, and it feels so profound to get to sit next to somebody that exudes joy no matter what you have going on. You greet me with a smile every single day, and I know it’s not always easy. In fact, it’s probably not easy at all. But you’re here and you sit next to me."

Kotb previously cohosted the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford for 11 years until her departure in April 2019, after which Bush Hager took over her role.

Kotb emphasized the significance of referring to themselves as "we," highlighting that it is a major development. She shared that their relationship began as colleagues and friends, with limited knowledge of each other. However, over the course of five years, they have developed a deep understanding of each other's soul and purpose through their shared experiences. Unlike many friendships that remain stagnant, theirs has evolved over time.

Reflecting on their journey, Kotb expressed gratitude for the daily growth and learning opportunities that arise. She acknowledged the influence of individuals in their lives, including healers who have played a significant role in her personal healing. Kotb firmly believes that their connection and experiences are destined, emphasizing that everything they have gone through has a purpose.

Keep scrolling to see all of Kotb and Bush Hager’s fifth anniversary surprises:

How Todays Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Celebrated Their 5th Cohosting Anniversary Together

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Alliance for Women in Media Foundation/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

A Musical Message

Meghan Trainor surprised the duo with a special video message on Monday. In the video, she shared that she had written a song just for them. She expressed how much she enjoys visiting them in New York, feeling like she's with family. Trainor praised their genuine and down-to-earth personalities, saying she loves them and their song is on the way.

Kotb and Bush Hager were then treated to a sneak peek of Trainor's upbeat track. The song included lyrics that convey a message of making you feel at ease and bringing a smile to your face.

“Is that our new jingle?” Bush Hager excitedly asked crew behind the scenes, after which Kotb declared, “We’re gonna use it.”

Special Guests

Monday's episode of Hoda & Jenna featured some exciting guests. Before mixing cocktails with Michael Bublé and Jason Derulo, who sang their song "Spicy Margarita" earlier in the show, Jenna Bush Hager's 4-year-old son, Hal, made his debut on the NBC morning program. (Bush Hager has three children with her husband, Henry Hager: Hal, Mila (10), and Poppy (8).)

Hal's appearance on the show was a special moment, as he made his first appearance just months after his mother's debut on Hoda & Jenna in August 2019. "Hal, we've been waiting for you for five years to come on," host Hoda Kotb exclaimed.

The shy toddler may not have said happy anniversary to Kotb, but he did respond to one of her questions. When Bush Hager asked if "Today" was his favorite show or if he preferred "Bluey," Hal sweetly answered, "I like both."

How Todays Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Celebrated Their 5th Cohosting Anniversary Together

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT

Happy Holiday

Chloe Fineman surprised Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Monday with a special gift to celebrate the show's fifth anniversary. She presented them with a proclamation declaring April 8, 2024, as Today With Hoda & Jenna Day in New York City.

Although the cohosts were skeptical about the legitimacy of the proclamation, Fineman, aged 35, reassured them that it was real. She mentioned that the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, had signed it. "You guys now have an official holiday, I promise," she confirmed.

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Fan Encounters

Kotb and Bush Hager not only celebrated their anniversary but also shared the special moment with their fans. During Monday's episode, viewers reminisced about watching the show during their motherhood journeys. Afterwards, the fans from the video package were invited to join Kotb and Bush Hager in the studio. As a token of appreciation, the pair surprised the group of mothers with baskets filled with children's books, including Kotb's own book "Hope Is a Rainbow."

To wrap up the episode, Kotb and Bush Hager put their show knowledge to the test in a fun game called "Fan Face Off" against a dedicated superfan. The fan emerged victorious and received a sparkling diamond bracelet as the prize.

Light It Up

To celebrate their hosting anniversary, Kotb and Bush Hager shared that the Empire State Building would be illuminated in the show's colors, pink and purple, on Monday night. Kotb encouraged viewers to snap a selfie or take a photo in front of the colorful building if they happen to be in New York and tag them on social media so they can see it too.

Editor's P/S:

The article celebrates the five-year anniversary of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager as co-hosts of Today With Hoda & Jenna. It highlights the close friendship and mutual respect between the two women, who have developed a deep understanding of each other's personalities and goals over the years. The article also showcases the special surprises and events planned to commemorate the milestone, including a musical message from Meghan Trainor, guest appearances from Michael Bublé and Jason Derulo, and a proclamation from New York City declaring April 8, 2024, as Today With Hoda & Jenna Day.

Overall, the article conveys a sense of joy and celebration as Kotb and Bush Hager reflect on their journey together and express gratitude for their connection and the support of their fans. The article also emphasizes the importance of genuine friendships and the power of shared experiences in fostering personal and professional growth.