The world of morning television comes with its own set of rules, and for the hosts of Today with Hoda & Jenna, adapting to these guidelines has been a journey.

On the December 2 episode, co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager opened up about the adjustments they had to make

when they joined NBC, revealing how their speech, appearance, and overall presentation were influenced by network expectations.

Jenna Bush Hager’s Struggle with Language Restrictions

Jenna Bush Hager, who joined NBC as a correspondent in 2009, recalled one of the first changes she had to make—eliminating the phrase “y’all” from her vocabulary on-air.

She shared that the network had informed her that the casual Southern greeting wasn’t suitable for a nationwide audience.

“[They were like], ‘Hey, y’all,’ isn’t for the whole country,’” she explained. However, for Bush Hager, the restriction felt unnatural. She expressed frustration over having to suppress a phrase that was an authentic part of her identity.

She likened the experience to feeling out of place when trying to act differently around friends. “When they said, ‘You can’t say y’all,’ in my gut, I was like, ‘But why? We have to pretend to be news people?’” she continued. Bush Hager, who has a lively and informal approach, admitted that following such a rule made her feel as though she was acting rather than being her true self.

Hoda Kotb on Conforming to Industry Standards

Kotb, who has been with NBC since 1998, also reflected on how broadcasters are expected to conform to a certain image. She recalled feeling pressure to change her style, appearance, and even the way she spoke in order to fit the traditional mold of a news anchor.

“If you don’t fit, they want you to wear something a certain way, cut your hair a certain way, speak a certain way,” Kotb explained. The adjustment, she noted, wasn’t easy and took a toll on their sense of authenticity.

Over time, both Kotb and Bush Hager learned to push back against the pressure to fit into a rigid standard. They shared that they eventually embraced their personalities on-air, making their interactions more natural and engaging. However, Kotb admitted that it took her longer to break free from these constraints than it did for her co-host.

“It took me longer than, I think, it took you,” Kotb told Bush Hager.

Hoda Kotb’s Departure from Today

December marks a significant change for the Today show, as it is Hoda Kotb’s last full month as a co-host. After 17 years on the program, she announced in September that she would be stepping away from her role. In an emotional on-air discussion, Kotb explained that her decision was fueled by a desire to spend more time with her children.

“I had my kiddos later in life and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she said. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

Despite stepping down, Kotb reassured fans that she would remain a part of the NBC family in a different capacity. Through tears, she acknowledged the difficulty of leaving but emphasized that it was the right choice for her at this stage in her life.

Bush Hager, in her usual humorous style, lightened the mood by joking about how their friendship would remain strong despite Kotb’s departure. “It’s not over. I’m gonna be showing up at your house, like the stalker you are to Zac Brown. I’m gonna be there on your doorstep. And we are your friends forever.”

Staying True to Themselves

The discussion between Kotb and Bush Hager shed light on the behind-the-scenes reality of working in television. While there are guidelines and expectations to follow, the two hosts have learned the importance of staying true to themselves. Over the years, they have grown more comfortable embracing their authentic personalities, creating a dynamic that resonates with their audience.

As Today continues into a new era, the impact of Kotb’s presence will undoubtedly be felt. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter, but her legacy as a warm, relatable, and engaging host will continue to influence the show. Meanwhile, Bush Hager remains committed to bringing her signature charm and authenticity to morning television, ensuring that the program remains as lively and engaging as ever.