‘Today’ Star Hoda Kotb Reveals Who She Wants to Replace Her
Hoda Kotb has spoken out about her potential Today replacement for the first time. While the longtime host didn’t name names, she did detail exactly what she’s looking for in the person who steps into her big morning show shoes.
“The person who I want is someone who has beautiful chemistry with Jenna [Bush Hager],” Hoda told E! News on Friday (October 25) at her Making Space wellness event in Austin, Texas. “That’s all I want. Because it’s never about either anchor, it’s about what’s between. So bring the chemistry.”
Kotb went on to make clear that what’s most important to her is that her replacement has a fun rapport with her fourth-hour co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, with whom she co-anchors Today With Hoda & Jenna, even if they’re not buddy-buddy off-screen.
“I don’t care if it’s her best friend, I don’t care if it’s someone she’s worked with, if it’s some celeb,” the 60-year-old continued, “When she gets in sync, that’s it. If she has chemistry, it will be beautiful.”
While Kotb admitted she doesn’t have a strong sway in the succession process for her NBC morning news shows, she’s already encouraged her co-anchor Bush Hager to share her thoughts in the casting process.
“I said Jenna, ‘Feel who you want. Feel what feels right for you,'” she recalled. “She’ll know, because the only way it’s going to work is if they got a vibe or not. Just the fun party vibe. It can’t be forced.”
Finally, Kotb shared a hilarious and humbling message for her yet-to-be-named successor on her leading program: she’ll inevitably be second-fiddle to her Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
“Look, you get to sit next to Savannah Guthrie,” she noted, “here’s what you’re going to do: You’re going to ride sidecar and say ‘thank you very much,’ OK?”
In a memo to staffers last month, Kotb announced she would leave The Today Show in early 2025 to focus on her family. Her replacement at the anchor desk is unannounced.
“I’ve been weighing this decision for quite a while – Am I truly ready? But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. Like a massive, joyful YES, you are!” read the memo. “I saw it all so clearly: my broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.” She also teared up while reflecting on the decision during an episode of Today that month.
Kotb is mother to two daughters, Haley Joy, 7 and Hope Catherine, 4, both of whom she adopted. The NBC star recently announced her next career move will be in the wellness space.
So far, the network has kept mum about the selection process, but the fast-rising Laura Jarrett of Saturday Today has emerged as a “big contender” according to an NBC Insider. Plus, as of Monday, October 28, Jarrett is the only person to have filled in on both Today and Today With Hoda & Jenna. Kotb did not mention Jarrett in her new comments but praised her as “excellent!” when she filled in for Bush Hegar on Monday.
Today, Weekdays, 7 a.m. ET, NBC
Conversation15 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
G
Whoever assumes the role, must be able to rein Jenna in--the constant interrupting, talking over others and acting much younger than her years. I think this is something Hoda tried to do, but probably didn't flex her muscle enough and gave up.
29 6
-
P
Agree! Jenna is spoiled and thinks she owns that show. After Hoda leaves, I probably will not watch again unless the replacement can tame Jenna.
-
-
P
Craig Melvin for sure for the main Today!
20 1
-
G
I agree 1000% with Erin Moran!!!
Jenna is actually annoying and it makes it so hard to watch because she railroads Hoda all the time, interrupting and talking WAAAY more than Hoda as if it’s only HER show. She doesn’t even realize she’s so obnoxious. Someone needs to tell her….to STOP!🛑
21 5
-
C
Does everyone forget Chanel? She’s amazing and can assume any role there. She so deserves it. I just love watching her so comfortable up there with anyone. She gets my vote! Please!!
17 1
-
P
Yes Chanel would be great in Hotb place!
1
-
-
P
No Jenna!!!! Voting for Craig!!!!!
7 1
-
P
Whoever takes Hoda's place is going to have to be fun, easy going but also have a strong and confident personality! She's going to have to be stern enough to discuss with Jenna (privately) that she is talking too much or is talking over people or is interrupting too much or is trying too hard be funny when she isn't always or that it's okay to talk about her cat and children sparingly but not every day! Also, not everyone is a perfect homemaker or interior decorator and should not act so surprised when other people don't clean before company! Hoda was perfect because she took it all in stride, knew how to handle her and allowed her to shine because that's who Hoda is! I like Jenna because she is beautiful and fun and her heart is in the right place but just needs to know it's okay to lose at games sometimes and not feel threatened when someone takes Hoda's side or likes her more! I think if she works at these things she will become more likable and can grow into a perfect host! This is just my opinion from watching the show daily.
3
-
B
It has to be a totally New person! No one there now will work!!
2
-
O
Definitely NOT Craig. Shenell would be perfect for co anchor on the first hour.
Or Jenna and Laura are great choices too
3 1
-
G
I agree with Erin. Does Jenna have an existing best friend? Friendships take time. Maybe a guy comedian.
3 1
-
G
Maria Schiver
1 1
-
G
Can't stand Jenna I stopped watching and that goes for Savanah she thinks she is too good for everyone. I like Laura but Jenna has to leave get 2 new folks in there.
3 5
-
O
It will be a better show once fake Honda leaves, she’s such a gaslighter.
4 19
-
G
There you go, spreading hate.
5 1
-