Hoda Kotb Sends Heartfelt Shout-Out to Jenna Bush Hager at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025
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The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025 was not just a spectacular display of floats and balloons but also a heartwarming moment between friends. Hoda Kotb, 60, took the opportunity during the NBC broadcast of the 99th parade to send a special message to her dear friend Jenna Bush Hager, 44. The tradition of Kotb’s secret signal to Bush Hager is a well-known one among their fans and viewers.
In previous years, Kotb’s shout-outs to Bush Hager have been subtle gestures, but this year, she decided to take a different approach. During the parade, Kotb, alongside her co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, openly said Bush Hager’s name on air. The simple act of acknowledging her friend on such a public platform spoke volumes about their close bond.
The friendship between Kotb and Bush Hager blossomed during their time co-hosting the show “Today with Hoda & Jenna.” Their chemistry and camaraderie were evident to viewers as they shared personal stories, laughter, and even parenting confessions on the morning show. Despite Kotb stepping away from her daily role on “Today” earlier in the year to spend more time with her family, their friendship remains as strong as ever.
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marked the third consecutive year that Kotb made a special gesture to Bush Hager during the live broadcast. In previous years, she had incorporated subtle moves like wiping her teeth or dancing, but this year’s direct mention of Bush Hager’s name added a new level of sincerity to their tradition.
Leading up to the parade, Kotb and Bush Hager brainstormed ideas for the signal, with suggestions ranging from a fist bump to a stretching move. Ultimately, they settled on Kotb simply saying, “Hi Jenna,” on air, a heartfelt and straightforward message that encapsulated their friendship. The decision to forego a secret signal and opt for a more direct approach resonated with fans who appreciate their genuine connection.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast featured Kotb, Guthrie, and Roker as co-hosts, with Kotb taking on the role she has held since 2018. The parade, a beloved tradition for many families, was a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that the holiday season brings. For those who missed the live broadcast, an encore telecast was scheduled to allow viewers to catch up on the magic of the parade.
As Kotb and Bush Hager continue to celebrate their friendship publicly, their bond serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections in a fast-paced world. Their tradition of sharing moments of love and support, even across the airwaves of a televised event, is a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
In a world where relationships can often feel fleeting, Kotb and Bush Hager’s enduring friendship shines as a beacon of authenticity and warmth. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was not just a spectacle of entertainment but also a touching reminder of the meaningful connections that enrich our lives, especially during the holiday season.