Viewers Are Left Cringing After Jenna Bush Makes Awkward Mistake As New Today Show Host

I was happy for Jenna Bush Hager when I heard she would be replacing Kathie Lee Gifford on the ‘Today Show.’

Granted, I don’t actually watch the show, but she seems nice. I like seeing nice people happy.

Well…with her first week under her belt, Jenna made an awkward – if relatable – mistake.

According to Country Living:

It all began when the Today anchor, who replaced Kathie Lee Gifford beginning this week, started talking about a jewelry box and card that she found in her dressing room on her first day. Inside the box, as Jenna explained, was a beautifully engraved bracelet that read: “My joy is non-negotiable” (a quote that KLG has said she lives by). She immediately realized it was from Kathie Lee.

Right away, Jenna gushed on-air how sweet the gift was, saying “Kathie has been so gracious, and this is just another example of that.”

SO sweet, right?

Well… here’s the awkward part. The gift wasn’t meant for her. Jenna didn’t realize it until the next day.

The next morning, though, her tune had changed. Upon further inspection, Jenna soon realized that the engraved bracelet was actually meant for Hoda. Even though Jenna thought the quote was on the bracelet twice, it actually read, “My joy is non-negotiable, Haley Joy 2017” (Haley Joy is Hoda’s 2-year-old daughter who she adopted in 2017).

Immediately, Hoda erupted into laughter while Jenna seemed mortified. Jenna handed over the bracelet and told Hoda that it looked “beautiful” on her.

“It was meant for me,” Hoda agreed while giggling. “I love it. Thank you.”

“I think it was meant for you.”

Looks like the bracelet @jennabushhager thought @kathielgifford left for her was actually a present for @hodakotb in 2017 😆 pic.twitter.com/gI9M0HXn2K

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) April 10, 2019

It DOES seem like everyone thought it was nothing more than a funny mix-up, but let’s be honest… this is the TV equivalent of cheerfully waving at someone who’s waving at a person behind you ON STEROIDS.

Everyone knows the feeling – and it’s an awkward one for sure!

That all being said, it seems that Jenna is doing a great job in her new role… as her predecessor expected her to:

Kathie Lee previously told GoodHousekeeping.com that she thought NBC made the right call on promoting Jenna to her seat. Kathie Lee had been co-hosting alongside Hoda for 11 years prior to her departure on April 5.

“I think it’ll be a very comfortable seat for her to sit in,” Kathie Lee revealed to us. “[I told her] ‘You know what, Jenna? You got this job because of who you are.’ … Have fun.'”

And it’s clear that the positive feelings of respect and friendship are mutual:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv38B9EANhd/?utm_source=ig_embed

So sweet.

So sure, this was a cringey moment – but if anything, it’s so relatable it makes us like her even more!