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Hoda Kotb Just Shared a Sweet Instagram Tribute to Jenna Bush Hager for Her 40th Birthday

Jenna Bush Hager celebrated her 40th birthday on Thanksgiving day, and while Hoda Kotb honored the holiday with a family dinner of her own, the Today star also took to Instagram to pay tribute to her beloved co-anchor and friend.

"Happy 40th my friend. Boy do I love you," Hoda wrote alongside a series of images from Jenna's party on Wednesday's segment of Today with Hoda and Jenna. The party included balloons, streamers, and a giant cake—as well as some sweet surprises.

"How does it feel to be turning 40?" Kotb asked her friend. "It feels great. I mean it really does," Bush Hager replied. "I feel really loved. I feel like my dreams have come true, which is a crazy feeling."

In addition to cake and streamers, Today family included a few more surprises to show Bush Hager some love on her birthday, like a performance by Bono and a message from her parents George W. Bush and Laura Bush.

"Hey Jenna. 40 years ago today your dad and I were thrilled to welcome two baby girls into the world. You and Barbara have made us happy every day since," Laura said. "Happy birthday to you. We're so, so proud of you. Love you!"

"Jen, 40 years seems like an old age, but turns out it's not," the former POTUS added. "Laura and I love you, we're very proud of you and we wish you and your sweet sissy a happy birthday."

Bush Hager joked that she's likely made her parents happy every day except the day that she got arrested for two alcohol citations (aka underage drinking). But in all seriousness, the Today star feels extra grateful to be surrounded by so much love on her milestone birthday.

"My birthday is on Thanksgiving this year, which feels appropriate. My mom was in the hospital delivering my sister and me over Thanksgiving," she wrote in the essay. "She had hospital turkey and soggy stuffing, but she was fulfilling her greatest dream, her wildest wish: having two healthy babies. She said holding one of us in each of her arms filled her with awe and gratitude. And that's how I feel at 40—unbelievably grateful."

She continued, "I want to spend the next decade with my own babes in each of my arms, silently counting (or loudly shouting!) my blessings."

We can't wait to watch Bush Hager do just that for the next decade—hopefully, with Kotb by her side.

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