Additional Coverage:
Today show viewers have noticed Hoda Kotb’s absence since her departure last month. Her former co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, has been particularly affected.
Hager became tearful during Kotb’s final episode. Last week, while interviewing country music star Wynonna Judd, Hager was moved to tears again.
During the January 30th episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, the conversation turned to a recent plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Hager expressed her sadness and said the tragedy was “too much.”
Judd praised Hager’s strength and authenticity, comparing Hager’s solo hosting experience to her own experience going solo in 1992. Judd acknowledged the difficulty of being in the public eye and expressed admiration for Hager.
Judd’s words deeply touched Hager, who began to cry. Hager admitted she hadn’t cried since Kotb’s departure and that Judd’s kindness had broken through her emotional barrier. Judd jokingly said her goal was to make Hager cry, to which Hager replied, “Well, you did it!”