Hoda Kotb Reunites with Jenna Bush Hager After 4-Month Absence

Published: May 27, 2025

Hoda Kotb is returning to her old stomping grounds! The beloved TV personality will co-host Today with Jenna & Friends on Wednesday, May 28, marking her first in-person appearance on the show since her exit in January.

Kotb, 60, will reunite with her friend and former co-host Jenna Bush Hager, 43, on the show. Bush Hager announced the surprise guest co-host on Tuesday, teasing that the guest was a former basketball star-turned-bestselling author.

"For one day only, Hoda Kotb is back!" Bush Hager declared, noting that Kotb is returning to Today to announce her new project. "We feel so excited. I was texting her at 5:30 this morning, as one does," Bush Hager gushed. "I can't wait."

The appearance will mark Kotb's first time officially returning in person to the show since her exit from Today with Hoda & Jenna in January. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Kotb will appear in the first two hours of Today to discuss her new project with her former co-workers Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and more.

"It's been too long!" Guthrie said on Tuesday of her former co-anchor's time away, calling the upcoming appearance Kotb's "triumphant return."

Melvin joked about the appearance after taking over for Kotb on the Today newsdesk, teasing, "I had a good run." Guthrie assured him, "No, no, no, you're not getting away that easily, my friend. Just a little visit from Hoda."

Kotb stepped down from her role after 14 years in January to spend more time with her daughters Haley Joy, 9, and Hope Catherine, 5. She also previously teased her plans to step into the wellness space moving forward.

Read more about Hoda Kotb's life and career in photos as she leaves the Today show.

Also, check out Jennifer Lopez's stunning performance at the 2025 American Music Awards.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and entertainment by signing up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter.