Celebritiy
Jenna Bush Hager Sings Farewell Song for Hoda Kotb: ‘You’ll Always Be Our Queen’
In a touching tribute, Jenna Bush Hager showcased her vocal talents by serenading Hoda Kotb behind the scenes of Today just ahead of Hoda’s departure from the show. The performance, shared on the official Today With Hoda & Jenna Instagram account, happened on January 8 and was nicknamed “Hoda.”
The emotional song celebrated Hoda’s contributions and all the fond memories her colleagues have shared with her. Jenna, along with producer Sean Hickey, crafted the lyrics to reflect the bond they’ve built with the beloved host. Hoda, who recently announced her final episode will air on January 10, will be stepping away to devote more time to her daughters, Haley and Hope, and to pursue her new interests in wellness.
The song included heartfelt lines like: “Hoda, I wanna hold ya and beg you not to leave the fourth hour of Today,” sung by Sean, and Jenna added, “But Hoda, to know ya is to know that everything will always be OK.” Jenna couldn’t help but express the group’s melancholy with lines like, “And now it pains us to say goodbye, you know we say it with our chest.”
As the melody continued, they highlighted Hoda’s role as a fantastic mother and a nurturing presence behind the scenes, with Jenna humorously declaring that “Hoda’s heart is bigger than her hair.” Toward the end of the performance, laughter came when Jenna suggested it might be time for Hoda to “get some sleep and maybe a boy toy.”
Hoda watched, visibly moved, as her colleagues joined in, creating an unforgettable send-off moment that left many in tears of joy. Fans expressed their love for Jenna’s performance, with one viewer commenting, “This is how every single person that watches the Today show is feeling right now. We will miss you so much, Hoda.” Another fan playfully requested that the song be released on streaming platforms.
This week has been emotionally charged for Hoda, who has been reuniting with past guests and cherishing her last days alongside her Today family. Jenna affirmed the plan to honor Hoda, saying, “We’re gonna celebrate you, which is gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really easy.”
The heartfelt song and the outpouring of affection truly reflect the deep connection Hoda has built during her time on the show.
