Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today, recently opened up about the emotional journey she experienced as her longtime colleague and close friend, Hoda Kotb, prepared to take a brief leave from the show.

In a heartfelt moment on air, Jenna reflected on the five stages of grief she went through as she came to terms with Hoda’s departure, even though it was only temporary.

Their bond, which has been a defining element of their dynamic on the morning show, made Hoda’s absence feel more significant.

Jenna spoke candidly about how deeply she values their friendship and how difficult it was to imagine the show without her co-host by her side.

Despite the fact that Hoda would eventually return, Jenna’s reaction resonated with many viewers who have witnessed the close relationship the two have developed over the years.

The first stage of Jenna’s emotional journey was denial. Initially, she couldn’t quite grasp the fact that Hoda would be leaving, even if only for a short period of time.

Jenna admitted that she found it hard to accept that their daily routine of working together, laughing, and supporting one another would temporarily be interrupted.

The Today show has been a constant for both of them, and the thought of going through their segments without Hoda by her side was something Jenna struggled to come to terms with.

In many ways, the thought of facing the day without Hoda felt surreal to Jenna, as the two have been so intertwined on-screen for years.

Their connection runs deep, and the idea of navigating the show’s demands without her co-host seemed almost unfathomable.

As the reality began to set in, Jenna moved into the second stage of grief: anger. She was not angry with Hoda for taking the time she needed but more at the situation itself.

The dynamics of the show would undoubtedly be different without Hoda, and Jenna expressed frustration over having to adjust to the change.

It wasn’t just about the work; it was about losing the comfort and familiarity that came with having Hoda there every day.

Jenna revealed how much she relies on Hoda for support and camaraderie, and the thought of facing the challenges of the morning show without that anchor left her feeling unsettled.

This stage, while filled with frustration, also highlighted the depth of their friendship and how much Hoda’s presence means to Jenna both personally and professionally.

The third stage of grief Jenna went through was bargaining. In an attempt to ease the transition, she started to entertain the idea of ways to make Hoda’s absence more manageable.

Jenna considered how they could keep their connection alive even if Hoda wasn’t physically present in the studio. She imagined ways they could continue to share their bond, even from a distance, like through video chats or phone calls.

Jenna’s bargaining also involved trying to adjust her mindset, focusing on the positive aspects of the time apart.

She reminded herself that Hoda would be back soon, and that their friendship would continue to thrive despite the temporary separation.

This stage represented Jenna’s desire to maintain the stability of their friendship, even in the face of change.

The fourth stage of grief for Jenna was depression. As the reality of Hoda’s departure became more apparent, Jenna began to feel the weight of the loss.

She spoke openly about how much she would miss Hoda’s laughter, her presence, and their shared moments on set.

The void left by Hoda’s absence was palpable, and Jenna admitted that she felt a sense of sadness that she couldn’t shake. It wasn’t just the work that would be different; it was the personal connection that she had come to rely on day after day.

Jenna’s vulnerability during this time spoke to the deep emotional bond she shares with Hoda, and her sadness was a reflection of the importance of their friendship in her life.

Finally, Jenna reached the stage of acceptance. After processing the emotions of the previous stages, Jenna began to come to terms with Hoda’s departure, however brief it might be.

She acknowledged that life, and work, would go on, and she would continue to carry on the Today show with her other colleagues.

Jenna also reminded herself that Hoda would return soon, and in the meantime, she would make the best of the situation. Acceptance wasn’t about minimizing the loss but rather finding peace with the temporary change.

It was about understanding that even though Hoda’s absence would be felt, their bond would remain strong, and the Today show would continue to be a place of joy and connection for both of them when they reunited.