Jennifer Bush When Hoda Kotb's 3-year-old daughter Hope was hospitalized earlier this year, Hager broke down in tears on the "Today" show, acknowledging she wasn't a good friend.
"When Hoda's daughter wasn't feeling well, I just wasn't there for her the way I wanted to be," Hager, 41, said on Wednesday's broadcast of "Today with Hoda & Jenna" as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I had no idea how to act, and I felt terrible about it." But I was at a loss for words and just said it. 'I feel like I haven't been there for you,' I added.
Kotb, 58, became tearful as she recalled her co-star's candor. "First and foremost, it was one of the most beautiful statements."
"You've said so many beautiful things, and it touched me deeply, and it meant everything to me," Kotb remarked. When Hager first mentioned the unpleasant moment they had
shared, the couple was discussing the topic of brutal honesty, and Kotb praised Hager for always being "so honest."
"I think it's a fantastic idea." I mean, I can't believe you're bringing that up. "I can't believe you're bringing it up," Kotb said.
Hager emphasized that it is preferable to confess the truth than to harbor regret. "I held it and held it until I exploded." So it would be terrible if you couldn't tell the truth," Hager explained.