Jenna Bush Hager Enters 'The Depression Stage' Before Hoda Kotb's 'Today' Show Exit

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Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager shared an emotional moment on Today With Hoda and Jenna as they reflected on Kotb's upcoming departure from the show.

During a casual conversation on the Tuesday, December 10 episode, the co-hosts became teary-eyed as they discussed Kotb's exit next year.

"I'm in the phase of losing Hoda called studying," Bush Hager said, explaining how she intended to observe Kotb's behaviors at an upcoming party. "I'd like to study your behaviors tonight and see how you've changed." Kotb, 60, smiled warmly at Bush Hager, 43, and responded, "You know what? I love you. I just love you."

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb attend the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 08, 2024 in New York City. Bush Hager revealed her feelings at the moment... John Nacion/Getty Images

The sweet moment quickly turned emotional as the two wiped away their tears. "What's happening? Oh God," Bush Hager asked, to which Kotb replied, "I don't know!" Bush Hager then declared, "It's the depression stage today," acknowledging her grief as she processed the news.

Bush Hager shared that she had been going through the five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — since Kotb announced her departure. "I've already been through denial," Bush Hager laughed through tears. "Denial lasted a good month!"

She admitted that she had experienced anger during the previous week and even joked about making Kotb jealous by suggesting that CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King take her place.

Kotb's last day on Today is set for January 10, with Craig Melvin stepping in to fill her role on the first and second hour of the show. However, Kotb's role on the fourth hour of the show with Bush Hager has yet to be filled, with NBC saying the segment will be called Jenna & Friends until a new co-host is chosen.

The longtime Today host left her co-hosts in tears after she announced she will be leaving the morning show back in September. She explained that it was time for a change and to focus on new opportunities, also revealing that she felt she had reached the "top of the wave" and decided it was the right moment to move on. She also expressed a desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, whom she had often talked about on the show.