Jenna Bush Hager Says She Felt Like a ‘Third Wheel’ When Andy Cohen Would Co-Host with Hoda Kotb: ‘Not in a Good Way’

Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Feeling Like a ‘Third Wheel’ with Andy Cohen and Hoda Kotb

Jenna Bush Hager recently revealed feelings of being a ‘third wheel’ during interactions with Andy Cohen and her former co-host Hoda Kotb. Speaking on the Today show with Jenna & Friends, Jenna, 43, expressed how she sometimes felt left out when Cohen, 56, would join her and Kotb on the show.

Reflecting on Cohen’s visits, Jenna admitted, “I always felt like, because you and Hoda have a friendship, Hoda and I have a friendship, when you would come, I was like, ‘Am I on a triple date?’” To which Cohen asked if she felt like the third wheel, to which Jenna replied, “A little. Not in a good way, but it was okay because I love to watch people love Hoda, you know, she’s my bestie.”

In September 2024, after nearly two decades, Kotb, 60, announced her decision to leave her role at Today to spend more time with her family. In a heartfelt letter to NBC staff, Kotb expressed the difficulty of her decision, stating, “My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.”

During the episode with Cohen, Jenna shared that she keeps in touch with Kotb quite frequently since her departure. However, she expressed a desire to communicate even more often, highlighting Kotb’s dedication by waking up at 4:30 am every day. Cohen mentioned that they don’t speak as frequently but assured there was no tension between them.

In an earlier appearance on Today with Hoda and Jenna in January, Cohen praised Kotb’s qualities, including her bravery and impact on his decision to become a father later in life. Cohen commended Kotb for her courage to leave at the peak of her career and described her as having the “best head of hair on television.”

Despite the occasional feelings of being a third wheel, Jenna’s bond with Kotb remains strong, evident by her desire to speak to her bestie every day if possible. The trio’s dynamic on-screen chemistry and friendship have resonated with viewers, making their interactions memorable and cherished.

As fans continue to follow Jenna Bush Hager’s journey post-Kotb’s departure, her candid revelations about feeling like a third wheel with Andy Cohen and Hoda Kotb offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the beloved show. With Kotb’s legacy on Today enduring, Jenna and Cohen’s friendship and admiration for her further highlight the special connection shared among the trio.

In conclusion, Jenna Bush Hager’s emotional reflections on her friendship with Hoda Kotb and the unique dynamic with Andy Cohen provide a touching insight into the bonds formed on and off-screen in the world of television. The genuine camaraderie and mutual respect shared between Jenna, Hoda, and Andy continue to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and colleagues alike.