Hoda Kotb RETURNS to ‘Today’ in EMOTIONAL reunion with Jenna Bush Hager—FOUR MONTHS after departure, mystery still surrounds what really pulled her away and why she’s suddenly back now

After a surprising four-month absence that left viewers asking questions, Hoda Kotb is making her highly anticipated return to the Today Show—reuniting with longtime co-host Jenna Bush Hager. The emotional comeback has sparked buzz across social media, with fans eager to know: What happened behind the scenes that took Hoda away from the spotlight? And what does her unexpected return mean for the future of the show?

See how the reunion unfolded—and why Hoda’s timing has everyone talking.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will reunite on Wednesday(Image: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

Jenna Bush Hager will finally reunite with Hoda Kotb four months on from her Today Show exit, as the latter is making a return to her former co-hosting spot.

The one-time co-anchor will be back in the hot seat on Wednesday, May 28 when she appears as a guest star on Today with Jenna & Friends. Jenna, 43, announced to viewers tuning in on Tuesday that Hoda would be her surprise co-host the following day.

She had previously thrown fans off the scent by claiming that her guest star was going to be a former basketball player who had become a best-selling author. Revealing the news, Jenna said: “For one day only, Hoda Kotb is back!” as she confirmed she would be “announcing her new project.”

→ Swipe to see more articles

Related Posts

Caitlin Clark’s latest move ignites MASSIVE BACKLASH as fans threaten BOYCOTT—what she said has SPLIT the basketball world and raised serious questions about her next chapter

Greg Gutfeld Opens Up About Challenges Returning to Fox News After Welcoming Baby at 60

Karoline Leavitt Silences Jon Stewart With One Blistering Comeback—Live Show Turns Into Viral Showdown as Viewers Crown Her the Undisputed Queen of Political Clapbacks

Bill Maher IGNITES Firestorm on The View — “You’re Just Spitting Out Nonsense!” Leaves Hosts Stunned and Audience Roaring in Live TV Showdown

Tears on Live TV: Fox News Giant Tyrus Breaks Down in Heartfelt On-Air Tribute to Kat Timpf—Emotional Moment Sparks Fan Uproar, Wish for Her Healthy Return to ‘Gutfeld!’ Grow Louder Than Ever

André Rieu and Dorona Alberti Ignite a Musical Firestorm With Explosive “I Will Survive” Performance—Orchestra Transforms Disco Classic Into Breathtaking Spectacle That Leaves Audience in a Frenzy

Jenna said: “We feel so excited. I was texting her at 5:30 this morning, as one does. I can’t wait.”

Hoda and Jenna have not hosted together since January(Image: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

The appearance will be the first time Hoda has returned to the show in person since she quit Today with Hoda & Jenna in January.

Hoda will also be appearing alongside former co-workers Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Al Roker during the first two hours of Today to talk about her new project. Discussing the return Savannah said: “It’s been too long!” before labelling her visit to appear on screens as a “triumphant return.”

Craig also joked about the appearance as he implied that Hoda would be making a more permanent return as he quipped “I had a good run.” But Savannah quickly replied: “No, no, no, you’re not getting away that easily, my friend. Just a little visit from Hoda.”

Fans are delighted to hear Jenna and Hoda will be reunited(Image: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

Article continues below

Hoda left her role at Today in January after 14 years at the helm of the show because she wanted to spend more time with her daughters Haley Joy, eight, and Hope Catherine, five.

She has also previously spoken about how she hoped to move into working in the wellness arena.

Hoda announced her exit from the show back in September 2024 but admitted that when the time came for her to leave she would be hoping to stay close by.

At the time she said: “I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine.”

A permanent replacement for Hoda is yet to be found with Jenna continuing to present alongside an array of guest stars on the popular show.