Hoda Kotb ditched the cryptic gestures and got straight to the point with her annual signal to Jenna Bush Hager during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The former TODAY co-host continued the tradition of sending Jenna a sign. during the broadcast on November 27 as Jenna looked at home on Thanksgiving Day.
“Hollywood icon Jenna Bush Hager,” Hoda said, pointing at the camera before a commercial break. “No, it’s Darlene Love! She's here with a holiday hit.”
This year was the first time Hoda mentioned Jenna directly, instead of tugging her ear, wiping her teeth, or giving her any other signals.
The duo tried to signal this year when Hoda surprised Jenna on TODAY November 25th for Jenna's birthday, but they didn't make it.
“Jenna and Friends” guest co-host Andy Cohen voted for a “Jersey Shore”-style fist pump, while Jenna suggested a simple pump, which clearly planted the seed for Hoda.
“Someone said this year you should just say, 'Hi Jenna!' Jenna said as Hoda laughed.
Hoda suggested stretching out her arms as if she were waking up from sleep.
“I don't know,” Jenna said before laughing.
During the 2024 parade, Hoda used a double pump to signal Jenna at home.
The move was inspired by the song's video. “RocaFellaSenta” Matt Rogers and Bowen Young, in which Hoda and Jenna appear as a guest. The hosts of the podcast “Las Culturistas” were both are present at the 2025 parade on Thursday.
Hoda gave the secret signal a second time in 2024 and invited Savannah Guthrie to join her while singer Kylie Minogue performed “Can't Get You Out of My Head” during the parade.
Hoda also gave special signals during the broadcast her daughtersHayley, 8, and Hope, 6, in previous years.
“Told Hayley I’d give her a secret signal from the parade to tell her I love you!” pull my ear a la @carolburnett)” Hoda wrote on Instagram in 2020..
Before the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Hoda said her daughters asked her to blow them a kiss. She and Jenna also came up with secret signal in which Hoda quickly rubbed her finger over her teeth as if she were wiping off lipstick while in front of the camera.
