Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb Break Down in Tears on ‘Today’ Episode: ‘The Depression Stage’

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb will go down in history as one of the best cohosting duos of all time — and their emotional moments on Today have made them even more relatable!

During an episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna on Tuesday, December 10, the pair broke down in tears while reflecting on how much their lives will change when Hoda, 60, leaves the show next month.

“I’m in the phase of losing Hoda called studying,” Jenna, 43, explained while speaking about a party that they would both be attending. “I’m studying Hoda at this point, and I’d like to study your behaviors tonight and see how you’ve changed.”

Hoda rested her hand on her chin, saying, “You know what? I love you. I just love you.” The moment made both her and Jenna very emotional, leading them to cry as they sat at the news desk.

“What’s happening? Is this the depression stage?” Jenna asked, as she and Hoda both wiped tears from their eyes during the candid moment.

Hoda will be leaving Today on January 10, which will no doubt be a memorable episode celebrating all of her achievements. Still, Jenna is sad to see her leave the program after building such an amazing camaraderie with her both on screen and off.

Last week, Jenna made a remark saying that Gayle King should replace Hoda. This week, she revealed that she only made that comment to make Hoda “jealous.”

“I’ve bargained with God basically every night for the last couple months,” the former first daughter said. “And now, I’ve hit depression where she says one thing and I [cry].”

Jenna recently opened up about Hoda’s Today exit on her “Open Book With Jenna” podcast on December 5.

“I mean, to be totally honest, I was shocked,” Jenna told guest Matt Rogers when talking about Hoda leaving the program. “Shocked.”

“I found out, like, the week before,” she explained. “She told me as soon as she’d made the decision, but it was — you know, Hoda does things. And this is why I admire her so much, is that she really listens to herself, and therefore she makes decisions which can feel surprising to others and just right for her.”

But Jenna still supports Hoda’s decision even though it made her sad. Craig Melvin will be replacing Hoda during Today’s early morning hours as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor on January 13. Now, all eyes are on Jenna to see who ends up becoming her permanent cohost in Today’s fourth hour down the line. At first, she will be joined on the show by guest cohosts each week until an official decision is made.

“The big decision everyone is anxious about is who will replace Hoda as Jenna’s official cohost,” an insider told Closer on November 15. “That’s what everyone’s buzzing about now.”

“Fortunately, Jenna will have some input in that choice, but the big bosses will make the final decision,” the insider added. “At this point, it’s still anyone’s guess.”