Let me tell you, the 'Today' show has been through some serious shake-ups over the last year. From Matt Lauer's departure in November 2017 due to allegations of misconduct, to Megyn Kelly's exit after controversial comments about blackface, the show has seen its fair share of turbulence. And now, with Kathie Lee Gifford announcing her departure this spring, fans are wondering what's next for the iconic morning program. Despite all the changes, Jenna Bush Hager is here to assure us that things are not just okay—they're thriving. In a recent chat with Page Six, Jenna revealed that the atmosphere backstage at NBC is nothing short of awesome.
Meet the Woman Running the Show
Jenna, who's 37 and as charming as ever, opened up about the current state of the 'Today' show, crediting much of the positive energy to the leadership of their first-ever female executive producer, Libby Leist. "Things are awesome," Jenna exclaimed. "We have Libby [Leist], who’s our executive producer—the first woman executive producer ever." Now, that's something worth celebrating. Jenna wasn't the only one chiming in; her co-host Hoda Kotb, who's 54 and as heartfelt as ever, added her own perspective. "You sort of feel that we each have each other’s back, and I think that’s important," Hoda shared. "So, emotional, but we’re there for each other." It's clear that the team has formed a strong bond, and that camaraderie is what keeps them going through all the changes.
Life on Set: Emotional Moments and Bonding
Now, if you think all the changes in the 'Today' show have made it a cold, distant environment, think again. Hoda Kotb admitted that life on set can get emotional, but in the best possible way. "Sometimes, during commercial breaks, we share parts of our lives," Hoda revealed. "And literally moments before we go on air, there’s a moment where we’re going, like, 'Oh my God, that was the most beautiful thing in the world,' and then you gotta, like, snap back into real life." Hoda emphasized the importance of their friendship. "But I think we are all kind of friends first, and I think that makes it work," she said. It's clear that the cast has created a family-like atmosphere, which helps them navigate the pressures of live television.
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Staying Positive: Jenna's Secret Weapon
When asked about the secret to staying positive in such a high-pressure environment, Hoda couldn't help but joke about it. "[You’re wondering] what meds we’re on?" she laughed. "I think [seasonal depression] is a real thing, and people really do get affected by that, but I don’t think it’s one of the things that affect us really." While they might not be relying on medication, it's clear that the camaraderie and mutual support among the cast are the real secret weapons that keep them going.
As the show prepares for Kathie Lee Gifford's departure, all eyes are on Jenna Bush Hager, who's hoping to step into the role. "It would be great," Jenna told Entertainment Tonight. "So we’ll see. We’ll see." With
