Bush Hager cried again in a video message aired during Kotb’s final Today episode on January 10. “Thank you, Hoda, for everything you have taught me, everything you’ve given me, all the hugs, all the heart, all the laughs, all the love. I will miss you, my friend, but I love you and I’m so proud. Love always and forever, Jenna.”

Despite her tendency to show her feelings, Bush Hager shared that she “stopped” crying so often after Kotb, 60, exited the Today show in January. “My heart was kind of closed off,” she added. Kotb announced her plans to leave her Today show role in September 2024, with Bush Hager breaking down in tears on the air at the time.

The daughter of the 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush, has lived in Fairfield County for the last three years.