Overview

• Kotb stepped down from Today’s fourth hour in January to dedicate time to family and launch her Joy101 wellness venture.
• Bush Hager had no inkling of Kotb’s departure until it was publicly announced, describing the news as both shocking and disappointing.
• Kotb repeatedly urged Bush Hager not to renew her contract, a warning Jenna later understood as protection for her solo hosting role.
• Since rebranding the segment as Today with Jenna & Friends, Bush Hager has worked with nearly 50 guest co-hosts over seven months.
• NBC has not yet named a full-time fourth-hour co-host, and Bush Hager expects the network to select a permanent partner in the future.