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Hoda Kotb Announces Jenna Bush Hager's Return to 'Today' Show after Maternity Leave with Video and Photos

Jaimie-lee Prince
By Jaimie-lee Prince
Nov 12, 2019
08:40 P.M.

Hoda Kotb is ecstatic to have her main woman by her side. Jenna Bush Hager just returned to the "Today Show" after her maternity leave.

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Following the birth of her son Hal, Jenna Bush Hager has made her way back to the "Today Show" to co-host with Hoda Kotb, 55. Both women are thrilled to be together again.

Kotb shared a series of pictures in one post and a video montage of moments with Hager in another. Both heartwarming posts are found below.

Kotb is thrilled about her co-host's return

First, Kotb shared the short clip which had a promotional voice over. "The moment you've been waiting for is here," the presenter said. It was followed by Kotb and Hager laughing and screaming in various segments.

In some clips, the women were dressed up as they had fun during holiday specials. "Here we go! Welcome back Jenna!!" Kotb captioned the post.

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She next shared a post with five pictures of her and Hager, 37. The first two were elegant pictures of the women sitting. The third was a group photo with more of the "Today Show" cast.

The fourth picture featured the women wearing US Open Tennis t-shirts and holding up rackets. The last shot was hilarious, as it showed Hager wearing a fake black piece that appeared like a missing tooth in her mouth.

In the caption, Kotb wrote:

"Jenna is back! swipe thru... the jewel is at the end @hodaandjenna @jennabhager"

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Bush Hager shared the news last month

The show's Instagram account responded with "They're BACK!" Other commenters shared in Kotb's joy and expressed their excitement at Hager's return.

Her comeback wasn't a surprise, however. Hager announced the news of when exactly she'd be back on set in late October. It was during her surprise appearance for a Halloween segment on the show.

Jenna Bush Hager attends the Mirror Awards in New York City on June 13, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images

Jenna Bush Hager attends the Mirror Awards in New York City on June 13, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images

The tv-personality was dressed up as Baby from "Dirty Dancing," while fellow "Today" host Willie Geist was donned in a Patrick Swayze costume from the iconic film.

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Hager made a quick visit for Halloween Day

Kotb went with a John Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" costume for the day. The mother of two adopted girls, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, was also on maternity leave from April for a few months.

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Hager is also mother to daughter Mila, six, and Poppy, four, whom she shares with husband Henry Hager. She joined the "Today Show" in April, meaning Kotb and her only co-hosted for one week.

Thus, Kotb described their upcoming return together as "the real launch" of the show. Hager said at the time, "I can't wait." Well, the wait is over.

Hager celebrates Halloween with Savannah Guthrie

After Hager enjoyed the Halloween special on set, she carried home the holiday celebrations and spent time trick or treating with her kids. Joining her was her fill-in on the "Today Show," Savannah Guthrie.

Hager's kids were dressed as adorable kittens complete with whiskers painted on their faces. Meanwhile, Guthrie's kids Vale and Charles Max were dressed as Frida and a train conductor.

They all looked adorable in their getups. Hager's return is the perfect follow-up to all the celebrations. We can't wait to see her and Kotb do their thing on NBC.

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