Jenna Bush Hager, of the ‘Today’ show, has provided an exclusive update on the search for a replacement for her former co-host, Hoda Kotb. The two hosts worked together on the fourth hour of ‘Today’ for more than five years, from April 2019 to January 2025, creating a strong bond that endeared them to viewers. Since Kotb’s departure earlier this year, Bush Hager has been joined by various guest co-hosts in the interim.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hoda-kotb-jenna-bush-hager-joy-101-launch-060225-1de055ce87394a5297788a6bcf784d55.jpg)
In a recent interview at the Read With Jenna Book Festival in Nashville, Bush Hager revealed that there is no rush to find a permanent replacement for Kotb. She expressed the importance of finding the right fit for the show, as the ‘Today’ team considers the program to be like a family. Bush Hager affirmed that the search for a replacement is ongoing and that they are taking things day by day, with no concrete developments to report just yet.
The dynamic duo of Bush Hager and Kotb hosted the ‘Today’ show’s fourth hour together under the title ‘Today with Hoda & Jenna’ for a significant period. Following Kotb’s departure, the show was renamed ‘Today with Jenna & Friends’, with various guest co-hosts stepping in to join Bush Hager. Despite the changes, the bond between Bush Hager and Kotb remains strong, as illustrated by their emotional on-camera reunion during a recent episode.
During their tearful reunion, Bush Hager described her connection with Kotb as akin to reuniting with a close friend from college or childhood. The chemistry between the two was palpable, demonstrating the lasting impact of their partnership. While Bush Hager misses working alongside Kotb, she expressed happiness for her friend’s new journey, which includes a focus on her daughters and the launch of a wellness app called Joy 101.
Kotb’s decision to depart the ‘Today’ show after 17 years was motivated by her desire to prioritise her family, particularly her daughters, one of whom has type 1 diabetes. This significant life change for Kotb marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to explore new opportunities and ventures. Despite the changes, the bond between Kotb and Bush Hager remains strong, with both hosts supporting each other in their respective endeavours.
As the search for Hoda Kotb’s replacement continues, Jenna Bush Hager remains confident that the right person will eventually join the ‘Today’ family. The transition from a long-standing partnership to a new chapter reflects the ever-evolving landscape of morning television. While fans may miss the iconic duo of Bush Hager and Kotb, they can look forward to the exciting developments and new faces that will grace the ‘Today’ show in the future.