Did Jenna Bush Hager Leave The TODAY Show? Unpacking The Recent Buzz

Prof. Carmine Kozey

28 Jul, 2025

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There's been quite a bit of chatter lately, so it's almost natural to wonder if a familiar face might be stepping away from the morning television scene. Many viewers, it seems, have been asking: Did Jenna Bush Hager leave the TODAY Show? This question has, in a way, gained more traction with some recent big news hitting the airwaves, really causing folks to think about the lineup at the popular morning program.

The TODAY team, you know, was quite surprised when Hoda Kotb, who is 60, made a public statement about her plans to step back from the show in January 2025. This particular announcement, quite naturally, got people talking about what changes might come next for the show. It's a rather significant shift for a program that has had such consistent anchors, and so, people are looking closely at who is staying and who might be going.

Given this kind of big news, it's pretty understandable that questions would surface about other beloved personalities. People want to know, quite simply, what the future holds for their favorite hosts. So, let's just get into the details and find out the real story behind whether Jenna Bush Hager has actually left the TODAY Show, or if this is just, like, a bit of speculation.

Getting to Know Jenna Bush Hager: A Quick Look
- Personal Details
The Buzz Around Hoda Kotb's Departure
Jenna Bush Hager's Role on TODAY
Explaining Jenna's Absences from the TODAY Show
The Truth About Jenna Bush Hager's Future at TODAY
Frequently Asked Questions About Jenna Bush Hager and TODAY

Getting to Know Jenna Bush Hager: A Quick Look

Before we, like, really get into the specifics of whether she has left, it helps to understand a little bit about Jenna Bush Hager's background and her place on the TODAY Show. She has, you know, been a very prominent figure on the program for a good while now, bringing her unique touch to the morning conversations. She is, quite simply, a familiar and much-loved presence for many viewers who tune in daily.

Her work on the show has, in some respects, grown over time, and she has, apparently, become a central part of the team. People know her for her warm demeanor and her ability to connect with guests and viewers alike. It's that kind of connection, you see, that makes people care so much about her status with the program, and whether she might be moving on from it.

She has, in a way, carved out a very specific space for herself within the TODAY family, particularly with her co-hosting duties on the fourth hour. This segment, you know, has a somewhat different feel compared to the earlier parts of the show, allowing for more personal and candid discussions. So, her role is, arguably, quite distinctive.

Personal Details

Here's a quick look at some personal aspects related to Jenna Bush Hager, which are, you know, sometimes discussed on the show and are part of her public persona. She often shares stories about her life, which helps viewers feel a bit closer to her. It’s a part of what makes her, like, very relatable to so many people watching at home.

Aspect	Detail
Full Name	Jenna Bush Hager
Family Status	Married to Henry Hager
Children	Mila, Poppy, and Hal
Role on TODAY	Co-host of the fourth hour, also appears in other segments

She has, you know, often spoken about her family life on the show, sharing anecdotes about her children and her husband. This openness is, in some respects, a hallmark of her style on television, making her a very approachable figure. It allows viewers to feel a genuine connection, you see, to her and her experiences as a parent and a spouse.

Her family, quite naturally, plays a significant part in her life, and she has, apparently, taken time off in the past to be with them. This is, you know, a pretty common practice for many people who work in demanding roles, especially those with young children. So, her family commitments are, in a way, very much part of her public story.

The Buzz Around Hoda Kotb's Departure

The whole conversation about Jenna Bush Hager's status really picked up steam, you know, because of the news involving Hoda Kotb. The TODAY team was, quite honestly, shocked when Hoda Kotb, who is 60 years old, made it known that she would be leaving the show in January 2025. This announcement, you know, came as a pretty big surprise to everyone involved, from the crew to the viewers.

Hoda, who is 60, departed the morning show, as a matter of fact, after 17 years on Friday, January 9. On that particular episode of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, the two discussed, you know, how Hoda was on her way out. This was a very emotional moment for both of them, and it really brought the news home for everyone watching. It's a big deal, you see, when someone who has been a fixture for so long decides to move on.

Jenna Bush Hager was, quite visibly, emotional after Hoda Kotb announced that she was leaving TODAY after 16 years on the program. You could, perhaps, see the genuine feeling she had about her co-host's decision. It was, you know, a very poignant moment, showing the deep bond between the two hosts. Their connection is, apparently, very real.

Jenna Bush Hager, you know, hilariously shared on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on October 25 how she felt when she learned that Hoda Kotb was leaving the TODAY show. She later explained how Hoda quietly prepared her for her shocking 'TODAY' show exit while appearing on the 'How She Does It with Karen Finerman' podcast. Bush Hager said the news came as a shock when Kotb, who is 60, announced her plans to exit TODAY in September 2024. She said, "I didn't ever have one inkling of a thought that she was about to." This really shows, you know, how much of a surprise it was, even for those closest to Hoda on the show. It was, in some respects, a very well-kept secret until the announcement.

The fact that Hoda, you know, quietly prepared Jenna for this big change, suggests a very thoughtful transition. It speaks to their partnership and the respect they have for one another. This kind of preparation, you know, helps to soften the blow of such a significant departure for the remaining team members. So, while it was a shock, there was, apparently, some groundwork laid.

Jenna Bush Hager's Role on TODAY

With Hoda Kotb's announcement, Jenna Bush Hager has, in a way, stepped up and is now, you know, the lead in the fourth hour of the show. This is, quite simply, a natural progression given her experience and her connection with the audience. She has been a co-host for a good while, so it makes sense for her to take on this kind of expanded role. It's a testament, you know, to her commitment and skill.

Her presence in that hour is, you know, very important to its overall feel and success. She brings a particular energy and style that viewers have come to appreciate. So, her stepping into a more prominent position there is, arguably, a clear sign of her continued importance to the program. It shows, you see, that the network has confidence in her to carry that segment forward.

Sources close to the show told Closer Weekly that the staff and crew on the show are, you know, somewhat confused as to some things, but not about Jenna's commitment. She has, in a way, been a consistent and dedicated member of the TODAY family for a good while now. Her role is, quite simply, central to the show's daily operation, especially in the later hours. It's, you know, a very demanding job, and she has, apparently, been up to the task.

On the July 24 episode of TODAY with Jenna and Friends, the talk show host was, you know, chatting with Willie Geist, reminiscing about a particular time. This kind of segment highlights her ability to connect with different co-hosts and guests, which is, you know, a very valuable skill in live television. She has, apparently, a knack for making people feel comfortable and for keeping the conversation flowing. Jenna Bush Hager, you know, can’t believe what came out of her mouth on the TODAY Show during the Thursday, July 24, episode of TODAY with Jenna and Friends, the talk show veteran shared something unexpected. This kind of spontaneous moment is, in some respects, what makes her so relatable and fun to watch.

Her ability to be herself on air, even when things go a little off script, is, you know, a big part of her appeal. It shows her genuine personality, which is, quite simply, something that viewers truly appreciate. So, her role is, arguably, very much about being authentic and connecting with people in a real way. She is, apparently, very good at it.

Explaining Jenna's Absences from the TODAY Show

One reason why people might have started asking, "Did Jenna Bush Hager leave the TODAY Show?" is because of some recent absences. Jenna Bush Hager was, you know, absent from the TODAY Show’s coverage of the Paris Olympics, leaving fans to wonder why. This kind of absence from a major event can, quite naturally, spark questions among loyal viewers who are used to seeing her every day. It's, you know, a pretty big event, and her not being there was, in some respects, noticeable.

While she has, as a matter of fact, taken some time off in the past to spend time with her kids, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, whom she shares with her husband, Henry Hager, Jenna has not, you know, announced any plans to leave TODAY. This is, quite simply, a very important point to remember. Taking time for family is, apparently, a common reason for anyone in her position to step away for a bit. It’s, you know, a perfectly normal thing to do.

During her absence for the Olympics coverage, Jenna Bush Hager was, as a matter of fact, replaced by E!’s Justin Sylvester during Monday’s (July 15) broadcast of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. Sylvester, who is, you know, a regular entertainment correspondent, often fills in for various hosts on the program. This kind of substitution is, quite simply, a standard practice in television when a main host is away. So, it’s not, you know, an unusual occurrence at all.

The fact that a regular fill-in was used, you see, suggests that her absence was, in some respects, planned and temporary. It wasn't, apparently, a sudden departure that caught the show off guard. This kind of planned time off is, you know, very different from someone actually leaving a show for good. It just means she was, perhaps, taking a break or working on something else.

Sources close to the show told Closer Weekly that the staff and crew on the show are, you know, confused as to some things, but not about Jenna's long-term commitment. They understand that hosts take breaks, especially for family time. It's, you know, part of the job's demands, and it's something that is, apparently, very much factored into the schedule. So, her absences, while noticeable, are, in a way, usually for very clear and understandable reasons.

You can, you know, learn more about morning show dynamics on our site, and also check out this page for more celebrity news. These resources, you see, provide additional context on how these shows work and the lives of the people who host them. It’s a good way, perhaps, to get a fuller picture of the industry.

The Truth About Jenna Bush Hager's Future at TODAY

So, let's get right to the heart of the matter and address the main question: Did Jenna Bush Hager leave the TODAY Show? The direct answer, based on information from sources close to the show, is a clear "no." She has, you know, no plans to leave the TODAY show now or anytime soon. This is, quite simply, the most important piece of information for anyone wondering about her status. It's, you know, a pretty straightforward statement.

Sources indicate that she’s, you know, very happy with this side of her career being something she does on her time off, but she does, apparently, love having a regular role. This suggests that while she values her personal time, her commitment to the show is, in some respects, very strong. It's a balance, you see, that many professionals try to strike in their lives, especially those with public careers.

Her visible emotions when Hoda announced her departure further highlight her deep connection to the program and her colleagues. It was, you know, a very genuine display of feeling, showing how much she cares about the people she works with. This kind of emotional investment is, apparently, a strong indicator of her desire to stay. She is, quite simply, very much a part of the TODAY family.

Jenna Bush Hager explained how Hoda Kotb quietly prepared her for her shocking 'TODAY' show exit while appearing on the 'How She Does It with Karen Finerman' podcast. This preparation, you know, speaks volumes about the continuity and planning behind the scenes at TODAY. It shows that, in a way, the network is thinking about transitions and ensuring a smooth path forward for its key personalities. This kind of foresight is, apparently, very important for a major television program.

The chatter about her possibly leaving seems to stem more from her occasional, planned absences and the big news about Hoda Kotb, rather than any actual intention on Jenna’s part to step away. It’s, you know, pretty common for rumors to start when there are big changes happening around a show. But in this case, the rumors are, apparently, not true. She is, quite simply, staying put.

You could, perhaps, say that Jenna Bush Hager has a "schitty" understanding of the FCC rules, as mentioned in one snippet from the July 9 episode of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna where the two discussed how Hoda was on the verge of leaving. This humorous anecdote, you know, actually reinforces her presence on the show and her interaction with Hoda, even as big news was breaking. It shows, in a way, that she is still very much engaged and a part of the daily broadcast. She is, apparently, very much in her element there.

While she has, as a matter of fact, taken some time off in the past to spend time with her kids, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, whom she shares with her husband, Henry Hager, Jenna has not, you know, announced any plans to leave TODAY. This is, quite simply, the consistent message from sources close to the show. Her family time is, apparently, a priority, but it does not mean she is departing from her career at the network. It’s a pretty clear distinction, you see, between taking a break and leaving for good.

So, for all the viewers who might have been concerned or curious, it seems Jenna Bush Hager is, you know, very much staying right where she is, continuing to bring her unique charm and perspective to the TODAY Show. She is, apparently, quite happy with her role and has, in a way, settled into her position as a lead host in the fourth hour. It's, you know, good news for those who enjoy her presence on their screens each morning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jenna Bush Hager and TODAY

People often have questions about their favorite television personalities, especially when big news happens on their shows. Here are some common questions viewers have been asking about Jenna Bush Hager and her role on the TODAY Show.

Is Jenna Bush Hager still on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna?

Yes, Jenna Bush Hager is, you know, still very much on the TODAY Show. She has, as a matter of fact, stepped up to be the lead in the fourth hour of the show, particularly after Hoda Kotb announced her plans to depart in January 2025. She continues to be a central part of the program, bringing her warmth and personality to viewers each weekday morning. So, her presence is, apparently, very much consistent.

Why was Jenna Bush Hager absent during the Paris Olympics coverage?

Jenna Bush Hager was, you know, indeed absent from the TODAY Show’s coverage of the Paris Olympics. While the exact reason for that specific absence wasn't detailed, it's known that she has, as a matter of fact, taken time off in the past to spend time with her kids, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, whom she shares with her husband, Henry Hager. Her absences are, apparently, usually for personal or family reasons and are planned. Justin Sylvester, you know, filled in for her during that time, which is a pretty common practice for the show when a main host is away. It's not, you know, a sign of her leaving permanently.

How did Jenna Bush Hager react to Hoda Kotb leaving TODAY?

Jenna Bush Hager was, you know, visibly emotional after Hoda Kotb announced that she was leaving TODAY after 16 years on the program. She hilariously shared on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on October 25 how she felt when she learned the news. She later explained on a podcast that Hoda quietly prepared her for the shocking exit. Bush Hager said the news came as a shock when Kotb, who is 60, announced her plans to exit TODAY in September 2024, stating she "didn't ever have one inkling of a thought that she was about to." Her reaction was, apparently, very genuine and heartfelt, showing her deep bond with Hoda. You can, you know, read more about the reaction from a reputable news source here: A well-known entertainment publication.