Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager are inviting “Today” show fans to see what goes on behind the scenes at 30 Rock.

During a segment on NBC’s “Today with Hoda & Jenna” on Monday, Hager shared an unexpected piece of advice she received upon joining the network as a contributor and correspondent for “Today” in 2009.

She revealed that NBC initially asked her to stop using the phrase “hey, y’all,” claiming it wasn’t appropriate for a national audience. However, Hager argued, “That’s part of who I am.”

“It’s bizarre, and we often experience this in life. You can have friends and suddenly feel like you’re not being yourself, leading you to think, ‘Wait a minute.’ Something just feels off,” Hager reflected.

Despite the network’s feedback, Hager has maintained her authenticity. The easy-going morning show personality still uses “y’all,” even mentioning it during Monday’s broadcast.

“How can we encourage our kids to be content with who they are?” Hager inquired. Kotb agreed, admitting that “it took me longer than you to understand my own identity.”

Hager explained that when she tried to act like a “newsperson,” it felt like she was performing instead of being herself.

“Pretending to be someone else is just so strange,” she remarked.

Having joined NBC shortly after her father, George W. Bush, finished his presidency, Hager has advanced significantly within the company over her 15 years there. In April 2019, she took over Kathie Lee Gifford’s role in the fourth hour of “Today” and launched her widely appreciated monthly book club, Read with Jenna.

Starting January 13, Hager will continue hosting the fourth hour on “Jenna & Friends” with various guest co-hosts, following Kotb’s departure from the network, until a new permanent host is appointed.

Kotb had previously announced that she would leave “Today” in late September, confirming that her last day would be January 10.

“That day will be all about celebrating, so we’ll be throwing a party,” Kotb shared with the audience.

She will be succeeded in the first two hours of “Today” by Craig Melvin, who will co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie while also continuing his role in the third hour of “Today” with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.