Jenna Bush Hager addresses the ‘family health issue’ of the Hoda Code

TV

By Caroline Blair

March 1, 2023 | 10:24 am

Jenna Bush Hager addressed the mysterious absence of her “Today” co-host Hoda Kotbin, revealing that the veteran journalist was dealing with a “family health matter” on the show.

“Willy [Geist] is for Hoda, and we want to let you all know that we heard you, and Hoda is doing great,” Bush Hager told viewers of “Today with Hoda & Jenna” on Wednesday.

“She has a family health issue,” the author added.

Bush Hager, 41, and Geist, 47, both insisted they “loved” and “admired” Codby, 58, and were looking forward to his return to work.

Kotb first addressed the nearly two-week absence on the “Today” NBC morning show and its fourth hour Wednesday, around 7:30 a.m. ET.

“We know many of you are wondering how she is doing. We can tell you that Hoda is right, [but] She’s got a family health thing that she’s dealing with,” announced co-anchor Craig Melvin, who is filling in for the early-morning “Today 3rd Hour” show.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah,” insisted Melvin, 43. [Guthrie] Get back to the table here very soon” — referring to Guthrie, 51, who abruptly left the air midway through Tuesday’s live show after learning she had tested positive for COVID-19.

“We love you both,” Al Roker concluded, blowing an air kiss for the camera.

Feb. Many fans have been voicing their concerns about the “Today” staple not hosting a live show since 17. (He appeared in the Feb. 20 episode, but it was brought up for President’s Day.)

Kotb has yet to talk about his leave, but fans “started to worry” after he went from posting photos with his family to strictly sharing inspirational quotes on Instagram.

“Choose faith,” read Monday’s most recent post said another“Sometimes miracles are good people with kind hearts.”

He also shared the sentiments of “strong” and “courageous” people discussing finding light through “dark clouds.”

Since his absence has been so noticeable, thousands of fans have been wishing him well.

Amidst his leave, Geist and “3rd Hour” co-host Sheinelle Jones have stopped by to fill in for Cote for the past week and a half.

Jones is joined on the “Today” show by his “3rd Hour” co-host Melvin, Weatherman Rocker, Tom Lamas from “World News Tonight” and Carson Daly.

Kotb shares two daughters, Hallie Joy, 5, and Hope Catherine, 3, with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman.