Who Is Hoda Kotb's Best Friend? Unpacking Her Closest Bonds

Jonatan Walter 08 Jul 2025

It's a question many fans often ponder, isn't it? Who truly stands by Hoda Kotb through thick and thin? We see her bright smile and warm demeanor on television, and it makes you wonder about the people who truly know her, the ones she leans on when the cameras are off. It's a natural curiosity, really, to want to know about the deep connections in a public figure's life, especially someone as beloved as Hoda.

For someone who shares so much of herself with the world, her personal friendships are, in a way, very special. People often look for that kind of genuine connection in their own lives, so seeing it play out with someone like Hoda, it's pretty inspiring. It's almost, too, a reminder of how important those trusted relationships are, no matter who you are or what you do.

So, let's just say, we're going to take a closer look at the remarkable individuals who hold a special place in Hoda's heart. From her co-host on "Today" to a friend who's been by her side since college, and even others she considers family, there's quite a circle of support surrounding her, which is just lovely, really.

Hoda Kotb: A Brief Look
The Co-Host Connection: Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager
The Lifelong Bond: Karen Swensen
Beyond the Broadcast: Hoda's Other Close Friends
Celebrating Friendship: "Best Friend Friday" and Milestones
People Also Ask About Hoda's Friends

Hoda Kotb: A Brief Look

Hoda Kotb, a familiar face to millions, has built a career around connecting with people. She’s known for her compassionate interviews and her ability to make guests and viewers feel at ease. Her journey in broadcasting has been quite remarkable, really, leading her to become a beloved co-anchor on NBC's "Today" show. She has, you know, a way of bringing warmth to every conversation, which is something very few people can do so naturally.

Her personal story, too, has resonated with so many, showing a lot of resilience and joy. She often shares snippets of her life, which makes her feel, in a way, like a friend to those watching at home. This openness, arguably, is part of why people are so curious about her closest relationships, as they tend to mirror the genuine spirit she presents on screen.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Name	Hoda Kotb
Known For	Co-hosting the fourth hour of 'Today'
Co-host Since	2019 (with Jenna Bush Hager)
Notable Friendships Mentioned	Jenna Bush Hager, Karen Swensen, Ferrell Fields, Maria Shriver, Savannah Guthrie, Jen Miller, Jane Lorenzini
Age Reference	60 (as of a recent birthday celebration)

The Co-Host Connection: Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager

When you think about Hoda Kotb's closest friendships, Jenna Bush Hager's name almost immediately comes to mind. It's truly a bond that has blossomed right before our eyes on national television. Hoda herself has described Jenna as "my closest friend in adulthood that I didn't know that I needed," which is, you know, a pretty powerful statement about finding a soulmate later in life. Their connection, in a way, feels very authentic, and that's something viewers really appreciate.

For over half a decade now, Hoda and Jenna have been co-hosting the fourth hour of "Today" together, starting in 2019. This shared experience, arguably, has been a significant factor in deepening their friendship. Spending so much time together, sharing stories, and supporting each other on air, it naturally builds a strong foundation. Fans have, apparently, really missed seeing them together at times, which just goes to show how much their on-screen chemistry and genuine affection mean to people.

Their friendship, too, has remained incredibly strong, even through professional shifts. Jenna Bush Hager, for instance, explained on the 'How She Does It with Karen Finerman' podcast how Hoda quietly prepared her for her shocking 'Today' show exit. This kind of thoughtful preparation and support speaks volumes about the depth of their bond. Hoda, for her part, has made it clear that there's no awkwardness between the pair, even at 60 years old. It's a testament, really, to a friendship that has endured and strengthened with years of shared experiences, both personal and professional. They share, you know, a heartwarming and genuine friendship that has deepened with years of laughter and support.

Their bond is so evident, in fact, that it can even bring them to tears. There was a moment, on a Friday broadcast back in December, when Hoda and Jenna were quite weepy. This happened as star Zosia Mamet began gushing about her close friendship with Kaley Cuoco. It just shows, perhaps, how much they value deep connections, and how easily they can get emotional about them, which is very human, really. Jenna also played a part in Hoda's recent 60th birthday bash, surprising her on air, which, you know, was a lovely moment that clearly showed their enduring closeness.

The Lifelong Bond: Karen Swensen

While Jenna Bush Hager is Hoda's closest adult friend in a newer sense, there's another name that consistently comes up when discussing Hoda Kotb's best friend: Karen Swensen. Karen, you see, has been a steadfast presence in Hoda's life for many, many years, through all sorts of moments. Hoda has, in fact, described Karen as her best friend, which is a very powerful title to give someone, isn't it?

Karen Swensen has, apparently, stood with Hoda through both happy and very dark times, which really defines a true friendship. Hoda has openly talked about the special way Karen showed up for her while she was grieving the loss of her father in college. That kind of support during such a profoundly difficult period, it just shapes a bond in a way that few other experiences can. It's the kind of friendship that, you know, you hold onto for a lifetime, because it’s built on shared vulnerability and unwavering presence.

The depth of their connection was also evident during another challenging time. In 2018, Karen Swensen, Hoda's best friend, tragically lost her husband, John Swensen, to cancer. The news anchor, Hoda herself, was deeply affected by this death, and she has, in fact, talked about the loss. This shared experience of grief, even if one is supporting the other, further solidifies a bond, showing that they are there for each other in life's most painful moments. It's a really profound example of how their lives are, in a way, intertwined through both joy and sorrow.

Karen Swensen, too, was among the special group of friends who joined the "Today" show to celebrate Hoda Kotb's 60th birthday. She was there alongside Maria Shriver, Jane Lorenzini, and Jennifer Miller, sharing memories of meeting Hoda for the very first time. This gathering of her closest friends for such a significant milestone just underscores how central Karen is to Hoda's personal world. It’s clear, really, that their friendship has stood the test of time, proving to be a constant source of comfort and joy for Hoda.

Beyond the Broadcast: Hoda's Other Close Friends

While Jenna and Karen hold incredibly special places, Hoda Kotb's circle of close friends extends even further. She's a person who clearly values deep connections, and she has, you know, a way of nurturing these relationships. Hoda once spoke to today.com about the five people she's closest to outside of her family, giving us a peek into her inner circle. This shows, in a way, just how many meaningful relationships she maintains, which is pretty impressive.

Among these five individuals, she named Maria Shriver, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Karen Swensen, and Jen Miller. This list, arguably, highlights the different facets of her life and the various people who bring her joy and support. Maria Shriver, for instance, is a well-known figure herself, and their friendship has been visible for some time. Savannah Guthrie, her fellow "Today" anchor, also made the list, which suggests a strong bond beyond their professional roles. Hoda even said on 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen' that "anybody would be so lucky" to have Savannah as a best friend, adding, "I think she would be great," which is quite the compliment, isn't it?

Jen Miller is another name mentioned as one of Hoda's closest friends, indicating a significant personal connection. And then there's Ferrell Fields, who was introduced alongside Karen Swensen during one of the "Best Friend Friday" segments. This suggests that Ferrell, too, is considered a very close friend, someone Hoda wanted to highlight publicly as a key person in her life. It's just, you know, a lovely way to acknowledge those who mean the most.

It's also worth noting that Jane Lorenzini joined the birthday celebration for Hoda's 60th, alongside Maria Shriver, Jennifer Miller, and Karen Swensen. This shows that Jane, too, is a cherished friend, someone important enough to be part of such a significant personal event. So, while Karen Swensen and Jenna Bush Hager are often highlighted, Hoda clearly has a rich tapestry of friendships, each bringing something unique to her life. It's a reminder, perhaps, that true friendship comes in many forms, and having a diverse group of people you can count on is a real blessing.

Celebrating Friendship: "Best Friend Friday" and Milestones

Hoda Kotb, along with Jenna Bush Hager, has actually brought the celebration of friendship right to our television screens with their "Best Friend Friday" segments. This initiative, arguably, is a beautiful way to honor the importance of these relationships in everyone's lives. They kicked off their very first "Best Friend Friday" by introducing some special people, including Karen Swensen and Ferrell Fields. It was a moment, you know, where they truly opened up about why these bonds have remained so close, which is something many viewers can relate to.

These segments not only highlight Hoda and Jenna's own friendships but also encourage viewers to appreciate their own best friends. It's a really heartwarming concept, showing that even in the busy world of television, there's always time to celebrate the people who lift you up. This focus on genuine connection is, in a way, very much in line with Hoda's overall persona, which is all about warmth and authenticity. You can learn more about friendship's profound impact on our site, and perhaps find inspiration for your own connections, too.

Milestones, too, often bring Hoda's friends together in a very public and touching way. Her 60th birthday, for instance, was a testament to the strong bonds she's cultivated over the years. NBC's "Today" had, apparently, a nonstop birthday bash for her, which featured surprises from people like Sandra Bullock and, of course, Jenna Bush Hager. It was a day filled with nonstop tears, but the happy kind, which just shows how much love was in the room. This gathering of her closest people, including Karen Swensen, Maria Shriver, Jennifer Miller, and Jane Lorenzini, truly showcased the deep affection and respect her friends have for her.

They shared memories of meeting her for the first time, which is always a lovely way to reflect on a long-standing friendship. These moments, like the birthday celebration, serve as powerful reminders of the enduring nature of her friendships. It's clear that Hoda has invested deeply in these relationships, and in return, she receives an abundance of love and support. This commitment to her friends is, you know, a truly admirable quality, and it speaks volumes about the kind of person she is, both on and off screen. You can read more about Hoda's journey and her friendships on reputable news sites like Today.com.

GroundSignal

Who Is Hoda Kotb's Best Friend? Unpacking Her Closest Bonds

Table of Contents

Hoda Kotb: A Brief Look

Personal Details and Bio Data

The Co-Host Connection: Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager

The Lifelong Bond: Karen Swensen

Beyond the Broadcast: Hoda's Other Close Friends

Celebrating Friendship: "Best Friend Friday" and Milestones

People Also Ask About Hoda's Friends

Is Jenna Bush Hager Hoda Kotb's best friend?

Who is Karen Swensen and how is she connected to Hoda Kotb?

Who are Hoda Kotb's closest friends outside of her family?

Detail Author:

Socials

facebook:

tiktok:

linkedin: