Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb Cry During Interview: ‘We’re Really In a Tough Place’

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb couldn’t hold back their tears during a recent interview, as they looked back at their friendship over the years. The Today hosts were touched by actress Zosie Mamet’s words about her best friend Kaley Cuoco.

“I think it’s really special when you find someone who can make you laugh,” Zosie, 36, said, referring to meeting Kaley, 39, during her Friday, December 13, appearance. “No matter what, no matter what we’re going through, no matter what the day brings, no matter if we’re working a 16-hour day, 18-hour day, we just always make each other laugh. It’s really great.”

The Girls alum continued, “It’s the best, it’s the best. When you get to work with your best friend, what could be better?”

Jenna, 43, had tears in her eyes as she responded, “I’m crying because she and I laugh together and she’s leaving. Oh my God, everything is… we’re really in a tough place.”

Hoda, 60, became choked up, too, as her time on Today comes to an end next month on January 10, 2025, and added, “We can’t help it.”

This wasn’t the first time Hoda and Jenna have gotten teary-eyed due to Hoda’s impending retirement. Earlier this week, the two women became emotional when Hoda gushed about how much she loved Jenna.

“Oh God, what’s happening?” Jenna laughed during the Tuesday, December 10, Today With Hoda & Jenna segment.

“I’m in the phase of losing Hoda called studying,” she said. “I’m studying Hoda at this point, and I’d like to study your behaviors tonight and see how you’ve changed.”

“You know what? I love you. I just love you.” Hoda replied while resting her chin on her hand.

The mom of three joked that she was going through the five stages of grief as Hoda’s retirement from Today nears and added that she was currently in “the depression stage.”

“Denial lasted a good month, anger was last week when I tried to make you jealous with Gayle [King],” Jenna explained. “I bargained with God basically every night for the last couple of months, and now I have depression.”

Jenna had previously joked that Gayle, 69, would make a good replacement for Hoda. She had also recently discussed Hoda’s departure during the December 5 episode of her podcast, “Open Book With Jenna.”

“I mean, to be totally honest, I was shocked. Shocked,” Jenna admitted. “I found out, like, the week before. 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.”

An official decision regarding Hoda’s replacement during her segment with the former first daughter has yet to be made. Until then, Jenna will have different cohosts each week and the fourth hour will be renamed Today With Jenna and Friends. However, NBC previously announced that Craig Melvin would be taking the reins during the early hours of Today.