In the same way that I didn't envision myself working at the Today show,  I never envisioned Hoda leaving,” Bush Hager, 43, shared on the How She Does It podcast. “And in fact, she kept saying, ‘Don't sign your contract.

Jenna Bush Hager told Karen that Hoda Kotb knew she was leaving and that Jenna’s life as she knew it would change dramatically. “I thought she was saying that so we could link up our contracts and be there until the same time,” Jenna explained. “But what she was doing was protecting me, because she knew I was gonna be doing the show on my own.”

Jenna Bush Hager revealed how advice from Hoda Kotb before her 'Today' exit helped her transition to hosting 'Jenna & Friends' on her own