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Jenna Bush Hager Teases Hoda Kotb About Needing a Ted Danson-Type for 4:30 a.m. Dates
2024-12-06
Ted Danson, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, has become the talk of the town with his unique morning routine and the special bond he shares with his wife. On the Dec. 6 episode of the Today show, Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb engaged in a lighthearted discussion about Danson's life and his relationship with his spouse.

Early Morning Dates with a Twist

In Danson's world, early mornings hold a special charm. As he shared with PEOPLE, 4:30 in the morning becomes the prime time for him and his wife. They enjoy coffee in bed while playing online games like Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee. It's a time of shared laughter and connection that they cherish deeply. Even when apart due to different time zones, they make sure to wake up in time to continue their morning ritual over the phone.For Danson, this early bird special is like heaven on Earth. It's a time when they can escape the chaos of the day and focus on each other. As he said, "The most fun is the early mornings. 4:30 in the morning, coffee in bed, playing Wordle, Connections and Spelling Bee, talking and laughing and sharing."

Impact on Hoda Kotb

Jenna Bush Hager's joke about a man like Ted Danson being perfect for Hoda Kotb at 4:30 in the morning sparked a conversation. Kotb, who is leaving her position on the morning talk show in January, was intrigued by the idea. She realized that having a special someone to share these early moments with could be a game-changer.Bush Hager encouraged Kotb to use her time away from the job to get extra sleep and focus on herself. She hoped that Kotb would be able to sleep past 4:30 and give her brain the space to grow. Kotb, however, was hesitant. She acknowledged that it's a habit that's hard to break but was determined to make a change.

Benefits of the Morning Routine

Kotb shared her own perspective on the morning. She believes that the morning is her time, a time when she can get things done or simply enjoy a quiet moment. Whether it's reading poetry, having a cup of coffee in a peaceful house, or engaging in meditation and writing thank you notes, the morning holds a special significance for her.Even before she started doing the morning show, Kotb was a believer in the power of the morning. She sees it as a time to start the day on a positive note and set the tone for the rest of the day. As she added, "Even if it's not getting things done, it's reading poetry and having a cup of coffee in a quiet house."

Lessons from Ted Danson

Ted Danson's example has taught us the importance of cherishing the early mornings and making time for the things that matter. His story shows that even in the midst of a busy life, there is always room for special moments with loved ones.It also reminds us that habits can be changed and that with determination and a positive attitude, we can break free from old patterns and embrace new ones. As Kotb said, "I'm going to work on it. But my plan is — I usually wake up at 3 or 3:15, that's my wakeup — I'm going to move it to 5. You know what that is? That's two hours!"Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Today airs weekday mornings on NBC (check local listings).
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