Hoda Kotb Admits She's 'Dying to Know' Who Will Replace Her as Jenna Bush Hager's Co-Host (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Who will replaceHoda Kotbas the co-host onTodayalongsideJenna Bush Hager? Everyone is eager to know — including Kotb, herself.

“I’m dying to find out who it’s going to be,” Kotb, 60, tells PEOPLE at the inauguralRunway for Recoveryfashion show in NYC when asked about her replacement co-host onToday’s fourth hour.

Kotb admits she’s excited to watch the segment — which is currently being calledJenna & Friends,featuring a different celebrity every week until a permanent replacement is found — evolve with its new co-host. “I’ve been talking with Jenna about it. I keep saying, ‘Who’s going to be our friend forever?’” Kotb shares.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on December 3, 2024 on NBC’s Today Show.Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

What this process of transition has taught Kotb, who retired to spend more time with her daughtersHaley Joy, 9, andHope Catherine, 5, is that she had a great co-host in Bush Hager, 43. “What this has shown me is that Jenna is a mega talent,” Kotb explains. “It was always clear to me, but it’s even clearer because now I’m watching her have blind dates every week with new co-hosts, and the common thread is how awesome she is. She’s incredible. So whoever she chooses is going to be great with her.”

Bush Hager’s impending co-host isn’t Kotb’s only replacement. In November,Craig Melvinwasnamed her replacement, co-anchoring the 7 and 8 a.m. hours ofTodayalongsideSavannah Guthrie. “Savannah and Craig — come on,” Kotb says with excitement. “It’s like two peas in a pod, man. That was so meant to be.”

Though no longer onToday, Kotb’s bond with Bush Hager and Guthrie, 53, remains strong. “I’ll talk to them, I’ll call them,” she shares, adding, “They’re like, ‘What can we do? When do you need me?’ So they are here for my next great adventure. It’s just fun.”

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With more ventures in store in the future, including an upcoming wellness launch in May, Kotb says this next chapter of life is something she is looking forward to. “I’m feeling fresh,” she says. “I’m feeling sunny.”

source: people.com