SHOCK EXIT ON TODAY: Host Officially LEAVES As Jenna Bush Hager Delivers Touching ON-AIR TRIBUTE
SHOCK EXIT ON TODAY: Host Officially LEAVES As Jenna Bush Hager Delivers Touching ON-AIR TRIBUTE
A TODAY host has said goodbye to the show as her colleagues, including Jenna Bush Hager share sweet messages.
Jenna Bush Hager is known for hosting Today’s 4th hour, which she once co-hosted with Hoda Kotb before her departure earlier this year.
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A Today star has departed the show, leaving her colleagues deeply saddenedCredit: Instagram/jennaandfriends/NBC
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Donna Farizan has left her role on the show as a contributorCredit: Instagram/jennaandfriends/NBC
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Jenna was emotional by the departureCredit: Instagram/jennaandfriends
Since Hoda’s exit from Today, Jenna has had a new guest host join her on the show each week.
As well as Jenna and her co-host each day, there has been a mainstay on-air contributor who often brightens the days of Today’s viewers.
Donna Farizan has been an on-air contributor on Today for many years, and has worked at the company for over 12 years.
But she sadly revealed on Monday’s episode of Jenna & Friends that she would be departing the show and the company once and for all.
She explained how she would be pursuing other professional opportunities after more than a decade with the iconic show.
In the caption of a post bidding Donna farewell, which was shared by the Jenna & Friends Instagram account, it read, “Today we say goodbye to our incredible friend, Donna.
“She’s brought us joy, heart, and unforgettable stories. Wishing her nothing but success and love on her next chapter.”
And in one of the videos shared, Donna thanked viewers for growing up with her, while saying how she hopes they will follow her on her journey.
FANS SHARE WELL WISHES
One person wrote in the comments quizzed, “Why is Donna leaving? She’s awesome.”
“Loved watching Donna,” said another.
Sheinelle Jones returns to Today for first time since husband’s death: ‘My heart was shattered in a million pieces’
A third penned, “Love you Donna!!!!!! And seriously can’t wait to see what you do next!!!
“You have the brightest light, and the world is so lucky to witness your glow!!!”
While a fourth said, “It’s just like Sara Haines… she was once the intern had to leave when not considered for co host and now is co host on The View..
“Sometimes u have to move to up your value.”
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Before she left, Hoda Kotb was often seen hosting alongside Jenna Bush Hager and Donna FarizanCredit: Getty
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The three ladies were a fan-favorite trio among viewersCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, Jenna wrote, “We love you so much!”
And Savannah Guthrie penned, “We love you @donnafarizan.”
FOURTH HOUR SHAKEUP
This comes after The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Sheinelle Jones is to officially replace Hoda as Jenna’s co-host after she’s back from family leave.
According to a source, Sheinelle, 46, “has the job” but added how there will not be an announcement until after her leave of absence has ended.
She had been away from Today since December 2024, before returning to the show last week.
Sheinelle suffered a devastating loss in her life earlier this year when he husband Uche Ojeh’s sadly died.
Tragically, Uche passed away in May at the age of 45, leaving behind their three children: her 16-year-old son Kayin and 13-year-old twins, Clara and Uche.
Uche had a courageous battle with brain cancer before his sad death.
Sheinelle returned to her regular hosting duties on Today on September 5.
It is not known if Sheinelle will definitely take over from Hoda’s role alongside Jenna for the fourth hour of Today – but she is being considered.
Sources now reveal that with her official return, Sheinelle is being strongly considered as Hoda’s permanent replacement, and is an ideal fit for the show, which is currently being co-hosted by the less-experienced Jenna.
Execs are also said to be looking at NBC’s own Willie Geist, and popular podcaster and actor Matt Rogers.
