Hoda Kotb’s replacement for the Today news hours was announced on November 14, Craig Melvin will take over her seat next to Savannah Guthrie after she exits. Still, everyone wants to know who will fill the fourth-hour role with Jenna Bush Hager. Well, viewers will probably have to wait a while since it’s one of the most coveted jobs in morning television right now.
“The big decision everyone is anxious about is who will replace Hoda as Jenna’s official cohost,” a source told Closer Weekly. “That’s what everyone’s buzzing about now.” But Hager teased what the show is going to look like in January 2025 after Kotb leaves — the show is getting a new name, at least for now: Today with Jenna & Friends.
“Here’s the thing, Hoda, you know this, I’m a serial monogamist, I met Henry Hager 20 years ago and that was it,” Hager explained to her retiring co-host on Nov 14. “I haven’t dated in 20 years, I met Hoda, I fell so madly in love with you quickly, and we’ve had these years together which have been some of the best in my entire life.”
The empty chair will have a rotating slate of guests which will likely include Today‘s Sheinelle Jones, E! News TV personality Justin Sylvester, and comedian Heather McMahan, who have all filled in for Kotb in the past. Still, the Closer Weekly insider noted that a surprise co-host could eventually create the winning combo with Hager.
“It may be someone nobody expects, which could be good and shake things up,” they added. “Fortunately, Jenna will have some input in that choice, but the big bosses will make the final decision. At this point, it’s still anyone’s guess.” Hager seems up for the challenge, too!
She joked to Kotb on Thursday’s show, “But here’s the thing it’s time for me to get out there, guys. Roster dating, that’s what I’m going to be doing. I’m single, not at home, but in this work life. I am single and I am ready to mingle.”
Kotb had nothing but sweet things to say about Hager, who replaced Kathie Lee Gifford in 2019. “Whoever gets the privilege of sitting here over the course of the next however long this phase goes on will be very lucky and privileged to sit next to you,” she gushed. “You have a way of attracting people into your world. This person in this chair, because it’s going to be some many people, they’re all gonna seem like they fit because of you.”
Let the co-host competition begin!
Before you go, click here to see celebrity co-stars who became best friends.
