‘Today’ Insider Talks Hoda Kotb’s Replacement Rumors
Following Hoda Kotb’s departure from Today, Jenna Bush Hager has been teaming up with a variety of faces, from family to various celebrities. Since then, there have been rumors of just who would eventually become Hager’s permanent co-host. Recently, inside source have shed some light on the issue, addressing one rumor in particular.
Jenna Bush Hager Has Been Paired With A Variety Of Co-Hosts Following Hoda Kotb’s January Exit
Kotb had announced she would be leaving Today back in September. At the time, she claimed she would remain with NBC in some role. Kotb’s last day was on January 10, 2025.
Following this, Kotb’s former co-host, Jenna Bush Hager has been paired off with a variety of guest co-hosts on Today‘s fourth hour, now known as Today With Jenna and Friends. This includes stars like Scarlett Johansson, Dwyane Wade, Taraji P. Henson, and Olivia Munn. In addition, Hager recently teamed up with members of her family on the show, including her husband, Henry.
All this time, however, fans are wondering just when Hager will get a permanent co-host on the show. Recently, inside sources spoke with Page Six, giving fans a look at the search to find Hager’s new partner.
As a source teased, “There’s been a lot of interest and a lot of celebrities and well-known names reaching out for consideration to guest co-host.” They also noted that Hager was “having fun” while co-hosting with various celebrities.
It’s Been Confirmed Today With Jenna & Friends Will Get A Permanent Co-Host
In particular, the source discussed rumors that Kelly Clarkson was being tapped as a permanent co-host. According to some versions of the story, Clarkson wanted to leave her own talk show. One alleged reason was to have more time with her children.
However, a source shot down the idea. As they noted, “If she wants to spend more time with her kids, she certainly wouldn’t get that [at ‘Today’] and she’s never even guest co-hosted [Today With Jenna and Friends.]”
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As the publication noted, there is another reason to believe Clarkson won’t be joining Today. Her talk show has already been renewed for a seventh season. As NBCUniversal EVP Tracie Wilson shared with Deadline late last year, “Kelly Clarkson is a national treasure. We couldn’t wait to announce another season of The Kelly Clarkson Show, fresh off the top-rated ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’ in which Kelly hosted.”
For her part, Hager herself touched on the current format of changing guest co-hosts with Us Weekly. She noted she was “having a blast,” but confirmed she would eventually get a permanent co-host.
“Every day it changes. It also has been a really good lesson in living in the present. It’s, like, I actually have no idea what this show is going to look like.”
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“We are booked through basically the spring and early summer, so yeah, I guess I have some idea of what it’s going to look like through the spring. But after that we’re, like, could we have a permanent co-host? Sure. Could we keep doing this? Sure.”
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