Jenna Bush Hager wowed fans of Today with Hoda and Jenna last week by announcing a major change: starting January 13, 2025, the fourth hour of Today will be rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends.
The program will feature a variety of guest co-hosts on a rotating basis until a permanent co-host is chosen.
This announcement follows Hoda Kotb’s declaration in September that she will be leaving the daytime TV show, with her final appearance scheduled for January 10th.
Jenna Bush Hager Reveals That Hoda Kotb's Today Co-Host Replacement Is A Rotating Cast
During an episode of Today last week, Bush Hager, 42, said to Kotb, 60, and viewers: "I haven’t dated in twenty years. I met Hoda, I fell so madly in love with you so quickly. And we’ve had this years together which have been some of the best of my entire life.
The mom of three (who shares daughter Mila, 11, daughter Poppy, 8, and son Hal, 4, with her husband Henry Hager), added: "But here’s the thing: it’s time for me to get out there, guys. Y’all know the new trend, roster dating? That’s what I’m gonna be doing."
The former First Daughter also referred to herself as a "serial monogamist" before telling fans what to expect when it comes to her revamped future show. She promised "amazing guests and friends and family that are part of this DNA of this show. And they are gonna be coming along for the ride."
Kotb couldn't resist admiring her friend's talent for building relationships. "Whoever gets the privilege of sitting here over the course of however long this phase goes on will be very privileged to sit next to you," Kotb said to Bush Hager. She added: "The circle of friends around you is a testament to you. You have a way of attracting people into your world."
Beneath a shared post of the recent announcement on Instagram from the accounts of Bush Hager and TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, one fan wrote: "can't wait!" as another added: "let's go!" Someone else chimed in, commenting: "Well this is the best news ever. Congratulations @jennabhager!!"
Additionally, it has been announced that Craig Melvin, Kotb's fellow longtime colleague, will replace her and join Savannah Guthrie as co-anchor for the first two hours of the show. On-air on November 14th, Kotb said to Melvin, 45: “You are made for this job.” She gushed: “You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
