Jenna Bush Hager & Hoda Kotb Emotionally Share How Savannah Guthrie’s Really Doing Since Returning to ‘TODAY’

Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb opened up in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at a red carpet event on April 14 about how Savannah Guthrie has bounced back into her role as “TODAY” co-anchor after making her anticipated return on April 6.

While talking with ET’s Emily Curl, Jenna said that she and the rest of the “TODAY” crew are in awe of Savannah’s ability to remain strong amid the disappearance of her beloved mom, Nancy Guthrie.

Hoda Kotb & Jenna Bush Hager in Awe of Savannah Guthrie

“Well, she’s amazing. You know, I mean, we’re watching somebody put their heart out there in the midst of heartbreak,” Jenna said. “Um, and we adore her, and we’ll do whatever it takes to support her. But I really, I just sit back and marvel at her strength. Um, in a time where we wish we could fix it, but we can’t.”

Hoda then commented on how Savannah has adapted to being on air again after taking two months away to search for her mom after she was abducted from her Tucson home on February 1.

“It’s been really uh difficult. Um, you know, like Jenna said, I remember watching Jenna and Savannah come out on that first day. My heart was in my throat,” Hoda shared. “I was watching it, but I also saw the support and the love. I saw people on the plaza embrace Savannah.”

Hoda continued, “And as I’m sitting next to her this week, there are some moments on the set where I just stare at her. I’m like, ‘Wow.’ I mean, the strength it takes to do what she’s doing is something that I actually don’t know another breathing person who could do it, but she is. And also, I mean, you know, she’s going through a difficult time, and she’s showing up.”

Hoda Kotb Feels ‘Privileged’ to Witness Savannah Guthrie’s Strength

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Hoda began to choke up when she emphasized how special it feels to feel and see Savannah sitting next to her again on the “TODAY” show. “Just sitting next to her, like, that’s it,” Hoda said with tears in her eyes. “It’s been really beautiful. I feel privileged to be able to sit there for a little while.”

During the week of April 13 – 17, Hoda stepped in to replace Craig Melvin on “TODAY” while he enjoyed vacation. Her week on air with Savannah marked their first time broadcasting together since Hoda left the morning show in January 2025.

Although she told ET that Savannah has thanked her for “helping me out,” Hoda made it clear that she feels honored to see her friend’s strength up close while also having the opportunity to support her.

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