Jenna Bush Hager celebrated her 44th birthday with a surprise visit from former co-host Hoda Kotb on Today with Jenna & Friends
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Kotb brought Bush Hager's favorite snack, chips and queso, and stayed for a short interview segment
Kotb left Today in January to spend more time with her daughters, but she has made several guest appearances on the show since
Jenna Bush Hagerhad a sweet reunion on Tuesday, Nov. 25, which also happened to mark her 44th birthday.
The TV personality got both a virtual and in-person greeting from her former co-hostHoda Kotbon her showToday with Jenna & Friends.
This week's celebrity co-host isAndy Cohen, who first shared a birthday video message for Bush Hager from Kotb, 61.
"JBH, good morning! It's 5 a.m. just getting ready to start the day and guess what was on my calendar? It's your birthday!" Kotb says in the early morning clip. "Happy birthday, my girl. I bet they're gonna have a huge, beautiful celebration for you. I love you. I wish I could be with you, but know that I'm with you in spirit."
TODAY with Jenna & Friends/YouTube (2)
However, the video was all a ruse as Kotb was actually waiting backstage to surprise Bush Hager. She walked out onto the studio stage holding a plate of the Texas native's favorite snack — chips and queso.
"Is that why you asked me if I'd been talking to Hoda?" Bush Hager asked Cohen as she jumped up to hug her longtime friend and former co-worker.
"A little," the Bravo host revealed.
TODAY with Jenna & Friends/YouTube
Bush Hager looked stunned by the surprise, holding Kotb tight and declaring, "I cannot believe you're here. I cannot believe you came."
Kotb stuck around for a short interview segment after the surprise, sharing some details about her upcoming gig co-hosting theMacy's Thanksgiving Day Paradefor NBC alongsideSavannah GuthrieandAl Roker. She also spoke about her Joy 101 wellness app.
"What you're doing is amazing, but we miss you!" Bush Hager said.
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Kotb exited her role at theTodayshowand onToday with Hoda & Jennain January. The longtime journalist made the decision to leave the morning show in order to get in more time with her daughtersHaley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 6.
But Kotb has returned to theTodayshow numerous times since her exit. Most recently, she interviewed Jay Leno for the show, discussing his life as a caretaker to his wife Mavis, who has dementia.
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