Jenna Bush Hager Makes Emotional Today Debut

She's the new co-host with Hoda Kotb
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 8, 2019 12:41 PM CDT

TODAY with Kathie Lee & Hoda is now TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. Former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager made her debut as Hoda Kotb's co-host of Today 's 10am hour Monday, People reports. Kotb, 54, and Bush Hager, 37, came up with a "pregame" pump-it-up phrase ("Let's go, y'all"), busted out wine glasses with their names engraved on them (and filled with white wine), talked about their new Instagram page, and watched surprise messages from some very important people in Bush Hager's life wishing her well on her new adventure.

"Hey, Jenna, your old dad here on film to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you," said none other than former president George W. Bush. Mom Laura Bush, sister Barbara, husband Henry Hager, mother-in-law Margaret Hager, and a bunch of friends and co-workers also got in on the well-wishing. Then Henry showed up on set with the couple's young daughters, causing an already emotional Bush Hager to really start crying. (Kathie Lee Gifford announced her departure from the show in December.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X