It’s been nearly three months since Hoda Kotb left Jenna Bush Hager to helm the third hour of Today, and Bush Hager still has a lot to thank her former co-host for.

Bush Hager credited Kotb’s exit for “a really good lesson in saying goodbye” in an interview with E! News, noting that she “was so sad.”

“It was almost unthinkable that she wouldn’t be here,” she added.

However, Bush Hager acknowledged that she has since “sat next to now 21 different people and it’s been a really fun journey” on her new solo venture, Today with Jenna & Friends.

“It’s brought our team really close together,” she continued. “I’m obsessed with everybody I work with and I really love where I work. So, it’s kind of a lesson in making sure you tell the people you love you love them.”

Kotb’s last day, deemed a “Hoda-bration,” was an emotional one for both her and Bush Hager, and even featured a visit from Today alum Kathie Lee Gifford.

According to Bush Hager, Kotb is “giving feedback” and praising her for being “so supportive.”

“You all know Hoda, she’s like the most supportive, amazing force,” she highlighted. “But she definitely is like, ‘OK, that was great’ or ‘This is great.’ She definitely has opinions, which I love. I care about what she thinks.” 

Just this week, Kotb made a surprise appearance to lend some advice to Bush Hager’s husband Henry Hager, who was a guest co-host on the show’s Family Week. However, when it comes to the roster of guest co-hosts, Bush Hager’s sister Barbara has a favorite.

“I loved Dwyane Wade before and then he was excellent,” Barbara shared. “He and sissy had a great dynamic.”

Bush Hager agreed that Wade “was so much fun and kind of unexpected,” and noted that he is “really soulful and super curious.”

“I was kind of surprised by how much fun we had together. I also love Scarlett Johansson,” she added.

Check out some of Decider’s best guesses as to who should replace Kotb.

Today with Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.