Since the beginning of the year, Jenna Bush Hager has been leading her very own show,
Today with Jenna & Friends, and by all accounts, she’s doing a fantastic job. The NBC star has taken on the role of solo host with enthusiasm and charm, bringing a fresh energy to the beloved morning show. While the transition was initially met with curiosity from viewers,
Jenna has quickly proven that she is more than capable of handling the Fourth Hour on her own.
In the weeks following Hoda Kotb’s departure from the show on January 10, Jenna has been joined by a rotating lineup of celebrity guest co-hosts. Each week, a new famous face sits beside her, bringing their own dynamic and perspective to the conversation. The format change has been well received, but after a week of working alongside comedian Heather McMahan, fans are starting to voice a strong opinion—they want Heather to become a permanent fixture on the show.
Jenna and Heather’s on-screen chemistry has been undeniable, creating an effortless and engaging dynamic that viewers have fallen in love with. Social media has been buzzing with praise for their partnership, with many urging NBC to make Heather a full-time co-host. Comments from excited fans have poured in, with messages such as, “Our fave duo, we need her back every week,” and, “Keep her, please!” Another enthusiastic viewer wrote, “Heather needs to be the permanent co-host! She is perfect and hilarious!!” It’s clear that audiences feel a special connection to the pair and are eager to see more of them together on Today with Jenna & Friends.
While Heather has been a standout among Jenna’s co-hosts, she is just one of many high-profile guests who have joined the show in recent weeks. Jenna has shared the stage with a number of well-known and beloved celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Scarlett Johansson. One particularly memorable pairing was with Saturday Night Live star Ego Nwodim, with whom Jenna shared a fantastic rapport. As Jenna continues to navigate the evolving format of her show, each new guest brings a unique flair, keeping the Fourth Hour fresh and entertaining for viewers.
Jenna has been a key figure on the Today show since 2019, when she stepped in to replace Kathie Lee Gifford as Hoda Kotb’s co-host on the Fourth Hour. For years, she and Hoda formed an inseparable duo, delighting audiences with their infectious laughter and genuine friendship. However, when Hoda made the decision to step away from the show earlier this year, it prompted a significant shift in the program’s structure. No longer a two-host format, the show was rebranded as Jenna & Friends, emphasizing a more flexible, guest-driven approach.
Shortly after Hoda’s departure was confirmed, NBC announced that there were no immediate plans to hire a permanent replacement. Instead, Jenna would be joined by different celebrity co-hosts each week, a decision that has kept things exciting but has also left room for speculation about whether a long-term co-host might eventually be chosen.
Jenna has spoken candidly about Hoda’s exit, sharing both her pride in her former co-host’s decision and her own humorous take on the situation. In one interview, she joked about the way people reacted to Hoda’s departure, saying, “I am so proud of her. Although, I will say I walk around even here, and people are like, ‘Congratulations, Hoda!’ And I feel like the girl that just got dumped.” She playfully added, “And people are like, ‘You made the best choice, Hoda!’ And I’m like, ‘Did she? Did she make the best choice?’” Jenna further joked that she might just start showing up at Hoda’s doorstep unannounced, saying, “I will be there on your doorstep, and we are your friends forever.” Her lighthearted approach to the situation has endeared her even more to viewers, who appreciate her humor and authenticity.
Beyond her work on Today, Jenna leads a fulfilling life outside of television. She is a devoted mother to her three children—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—whom she shares with her husband, Henry Hager. Family remains her top priority, and she often shares heartwarming moments with her kids, giving fans a glimpse into her life as a mom.
In addition to her role as a television personality, Jenna is also an accomplished author. She has written several books alongside her twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, and the duo is preparing for the release of their latest project, I Loved You First, which is set to hit shelves on March 25. Described as “an expansive and gently whimsical celebration of parental love,” the book explores the deep and meaningful bond between parents and children. The beautifully illustrated book, featuring artwork by Ramona Kaulitzki, is expected to resonate with readers of all ages.
To promote I Loved You First, Jenna and Barbara will embark on a book tour, making stops in multiple cities, including Charleston, Tampa, and Dallas. The tour will give fans an opportunity to meet the authors and hear firsthand about the inspiration behind their latest work.
As Jenna continues to shine on Today with Jenna & Friends, her ability to adapt, connect, and entertain remains evident. Whether she ultimately welcomes a permanent co-host like Heather McMahan or continues embracing the rotating guest format, one thing is clear—she has found her stride and is thriving in her role. With her natural charisma, quick wit, and relatable personality, Jenna is proving that she is more than capable of carrying the Fourth Hour forward, making it an essential part of morning television.
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