Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager have been working together on Today for half a decade now and that’s been plenty of time for them to learn each other’s flaws. The two just celebrated their five-year anniversary and Kotb celebrated the milestone by revealing Jenna’s most frustrating trait—with a pleasant twist.
On April 11 and 12, Kotb and Hager hosted Today from New Orleans, both for their special anniversary and, it just so happened, on the 40th annual French Quarter Festival. Hoda actually has a long history with the area and wants her daughters, Hope and Haley, to consider it as another home. But in the meantime, Kotb had a blast celebrating her home at the studio with Jenna—and some sweet teasing!
Hoda Kotb shares Jenna Bush Hager’s biggest flaw
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight on April 11, Hoda discussed the woman she’s been working with on the same show for five years now. “We don’t like to look for the flaws,” she gently began, “however, if you’re asking, it’s also one of her plusses — she’s wildly competitive.”
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Fortunately, there’s a caveat of it being a positive aspect of her. But, Hoda went on, “Even when she doesn’t win.”
Jenna did not deny these claims. “I am competitive,” she agreed, and not just at the office. “I’m actually working on my sportsmanship … just trying to make sure I’m a better sport.”
That was it for Hoda, but Jenna had some more confessions to share. She admitted she’s thrown out artwork made by her kids. “It made me feel bad,” she shared. “I felt like I needed to stop doing that because they know.” Jenna and husband Henry Hager are the proud parents of Mila, 10, Poppy, 8, and Hal, 4.
Here’s to five and many years more
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In celebration of five years together, Hoda and Jenna also lit up the Empire State Building in shades of purple and pink. The last few days have been a time of both celebration and reflection for the iconic duo, for whom their first day together might as well have been last week.
“It feels like it was yesterday,” mused Jenna, “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.”
Hoda recalled, “We started off as colleagues/friends. We didn’t really know each other,” adding, “Over the five years, [we’ve developed] such a deep understanding of the other’s soul and purpose. We have traveled down these roads together.”
