Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Why She Playfully Refers to Her 'Today' Partner Hoda Kotb as 'Dad'

Jenna Bush Hager Shares Why She Jokingly Calls Her 'Today' Cohost Hoda Kotb 'Dad'

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb have developed a strong friendship over the years, and Jenna even came up with a funny nickname for her Today cohost.

During a recent episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, Jenna shared a story about their fun night out in New Orleans. She mentioned that she jokingly calls Hoda "Dad" sometimes.

Bush Hager affectionately calls her boss "Dad" because she is always early, just like her father, former President George W. Bush. She jokingly tells her colleague, Talia, to watch their alcohol intake, saying, "Dad says we can't drink too much. Dad says put the vodka down." However, her actual father was not present on the night they arrived.

George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, welcomed Jenna and her fraternal twin sister, Barbara, in 1981. In April 2019, Bush Hager became the cohost of the fourth hour of Today alongside Hoda Kotb, taking over from Kathie Lee Gifford.

Upon arriving in New Orleans for their fifth anniversary shows, Bush Hager and Kotb decided to skip a quiet evening and opt for a fun night out instead. They hopped on a party bus from the airport into the city, jamming to Beyoncé songs along the way.

During the episode, a video package captured Bush Hager and Kotb trying out a burlesque lesson, crashing a bachelorette party, and enjoying a local concert.

Jenna Bush Hager Shares Why She Jokingly Calls Her 'Today' Cohost Hoda Kotb 'Dad'

Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Bush Hager admitted to Kotb that she wasn't acting like her usual self that night. They decided to take a shot at a dive bar where people were chanting for shots. Before she knew it, Hoda was already downing a drink. They ended up having a great time dancing together.

Earlier in the show, Kotb described New Orleans as a place where people go to unwind and relax. She explained that amidst the hectic and stressful daily life, visiting New Orleans allows you to let loose and be your true self by shedding away all the stress and worries.

Bush Hager, for her part, added, “You go a little crazy in order to get sane.”

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The couple started their fifth anniversary celebrations on Monday, April 8th. Bush Hager expressed her happiness, saying, "It feels like just yesterday, and it's so special to be next to someone who always radiates joy, no matter what's going on. You greet me with a smile every day, even when things are tough. I know it's not always easy, probably not easy at all, but you're here, sitting beside me."

Jenna Bush Hager Shares Why She Jokingly Calls Her 'Today' Cohost Hoda Kotb 'Dad'

Kotb expressed her gratitude for the strong bond they have developed over the years. She mentioned that each day brings something new and different, a continuous learning experience. Bush Hager has introduced her to impactful individuals in her life, including healers who have played a role in her healing journey. Kotb believes that everything that has happened was meant to be, shaping their meaningful connection.

Monday was a day filled with wonderful surprises for Hoda and Jenna. Meghan Trainor gifted them with a special song, and Mayor Eric Adams declared it Today With Hoda & Jenna Day in New York City. To top it off, they ended the day by lighting up the Empire State Building in the show's colors of pink and purple.

Editor's P/S:

The article offers a glimpse into the playful and affectionate bond between Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. Jenna's amusing nickname for Hoda, "Dad," reflects