When Jenna Bush Hager faced the reality of her co-host Hoda Kotb leaving *Today*,
it was clear that the moment was not only a professional shift for the show but also an intensely personal experience for Jenna.
Known for her easygoing and relatable nature, Jenna had become a beloved figure on *Today*, especially because of her close and meaningful relationship with Hoda.
The two shared a remarkable on-screen chemistry, one that was filled with humor, mutual respect, and deep friendship.
So when it was announced that Hoda would be stepping away, Jenna’s reaction was filled with a range of emotions, which she navigated live on air.
In many ways, it felt as though Jenna had to experience the five stages of grief—a psychological model first introduced
by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross—in the midst of her transition. These five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—were all represented in the way Jenna processed her co-host’s departure.
The first stage, **denial**, was undoubtedly a powerful emotion for Jenna. As a professional broadcaster, Jenna had grown accustomed to change, but the idea of Hoda leaving was something that seemed so difficult to accept at first. For years, the two women had been inseparable on the *Today* show, building a rapport that transcended the screen. They had worked side by side, not only delivering news and entertainment but also sharing personal moments, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Their connection was both professional and personal, so when Jenna heard about Hoda’s departure, it likely felt like a shock. The thought that they wouldn’t be able to share that unique on-screen bond anymore might have been hard to grasp. This initial disbelief led to Jenna trying to reconcile the reality with what she knew to be true—the idea that Hoda wouldn’t be with her every day felt unfathomable. It is common to experience denial when faced with significant changes, especially those that affect our emotional attachments, and for Jenna, Hoda’s absence created a difficult adjustment.
As time went on, Jenna moved into the **anger** stage, a more intense and challenging phase of the grieving process. The anger Jenna felt wasn’t necessarily directed at Hoda, as their bond remained strong, but rather at the abrupt nature of change itself. Losing Hoda as a daily companion was likely frustrating for Jenna, as the transition would undoubtedly disrupt not just the show’s dynamic but also her own routine. She had grown so accustomed to working with Hoda, to the rhythm they had established together. The chemistry and camaraderie they shared were not only key to their professional success but also formed the foundation of their friendship. Jenna likely felt angry at the situation—at the reality that things would never be the same again. In the face of such a sudden change, feelings of frustration and resentment are natural, and Jenna’s ability to express this frustration was likely important in processing the loss.
As with any difficult transition, **bargaining** is often a common stage. In Jenna’s case, this might have meant trying to come up with ways to prevent the inevitable. She might have hoped for some resolution that would allow Hoda to return to her role or for a way to maintain the unique dynamic they had. Perhaps Jenna wondered if there was a way to keep the two of them working together in a different capacity or find some form of compromise that would allow Hoda to remain involved. Bargaining can take many forms, whether it’s through literal attempts to change the circumstances or mental strategies to avoid confronting the reality of a situation. For Jenna, this stage could have involved a deep desire for things to go back to how they were, despite knowing that change was unavoidable. In the end, bargaining helps people temporarily feel more in control, even if it doesn’t change the inevitable truth.
Following bargaining came **depression**, a stage marked by deep sorrow and sadness. This emotional weight is often felt when the full realization of a loss sets in. Jenna’s bond with Hoda was undoubtedly one of the most meaningful relationships of her career, and it wasn’t just about sharing a stage—it was about the friendship, the moments of laughter, the support they offered one another during difficult times. For Jenna, the loss of Hoda meant a loss of that connection. The idea of facing the future without Hoda by her side on *Today* must have been overwhelming. Depression often arises when people fully understand the magnitude of their grief. For Jenna, it wasn’t just about losing a colleague; it was about the absence of someone who had been a constant presence in her life. The sadness and emotional exhaustion she likely felt at this point would have been compounded by the sense of uncertainty about what came next for her, both professionally and personally.
Finally, Jenna reached **acceptance**—a stage where individuals come to terms with the change and begin to find peace with their new reality. While acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or moving on without any lingering emotions, it is the stage in which Jenna would have started to embrace the changes rather than resist them. Jenna, always known for her resilience and optimism, likely found solace in the idea that, while things would never be the same, she had the tools to continue moving forward. Acceptance does not erase the feelings of loss, but it allows people to adjust to new circumstances and start moving toward a future that looks different, yet still meaningful. For Jenna, accepting Hoda’s departure would have meant acknowledging the pain of that change but also recognizing that she could continue to thrive in her own right, even without her beloved co-host by her side. Jenna’s ability to navigate this phase gracefully would be critical for her, both as a professional and as an individual.
Throughout this journey, Jenna’s emotional response to Hoda’s departure was deeply relatable to fans. In watching Jenna go through the stages of grief, viewers could connect with the very human experience of loss and change. Many viewers who had grown fond of the duo of Jenna and Hoda couldn’t help but feel the same sadness as Jenna, understanding the emotional toll that comes with losing a close friend and collaborator. This vulnerability helped to foster a deeper connection between Jenna and her audience, who saw her not just as a television personality but as someone who was navigating real-life emotions.
In the end, Jenna’s process of grieving the loss of Hoda as her co-host was a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in all walks of life. It was an emotional journey for Jenna, one that she had to navigate publicly while remaining professional. But through each stage—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—she showed her strength and resilience. She not only managed to process her emotions in real time but also demonstrated the importance of embracing change, even when it comes with immense personal difficulty. Jenna’s ability to move forward, despite the heartbreak, would ultimately define her as a figure of inspiration for those facing their own transitions and losses.
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