By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-14 17:42:24 | Updated at 2024-11-27 13:48:34
1 week ago
Jenna Bush Hager has proven to be the real winner of Hoda Kotb's departure from Today as it's been confirmed she will be headlining her own new show.
Following the news that Craig Melvin would be replacing Hoda, 60, when she leaves on January 10, it was announced that Jenna, 42, would continue to host the fourth hour, which has been renamed Today with Jenna & Friends.
It will have 'a rotating cast of fill-in co-hosts until a permanent host is named.'
Speaking about the new concept for 2025, the two women said in union on Thursday: 'Y'all, on Monday, January 13th, we are launching our new show, it is called Today with Jenna & Friends.'
'Here's the thing... Hoda, you know this, I'm a serial monogamist. I met Henry Hager 20 years ago and that was it, right, I haven't dated in 20 years,' Jenna began.
'I met Hoda, I fell so madly in love with you so quickly and we've had these years together, which have been some of the best of my entire life, okay?' she continued as her voice broke slightly.
'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 going to be doing. I'm single, not at home, but in this work life I am single and I am ready to mingle!'
Jenna then explained: 'So this show is going to be all about friendship. We have so many amazing guests and friends and family that are part of this DNA of this show, and they are going to be coming along for the ride, so we cannot wait.'
Jenna Bush Hager will be kicking off a brand new fourth hour show in 2025 called Today with Jenna & Friends
Jenna and her cohost, Hoda Kotb, announced the exciting news on Thursday's episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna
Turning to Hoda, she then said: 'Of course like the joy will continue... I mean, you are joy, you are optimism, you are hope, you are all of that personified, but that will continue.'
Hoda replied: 'By the way, whoever gets the privilege of sitting here over the course of the next however long this phase goes on, will be very lucky and privileged to sit next to you for starters.
'And I think the thing is, you have a way... and I watch you how you talk at parties and your circle of friends, I remember your 40th birthday, the circle of friends around you is a testament to you.
'It's about why people gravitate toward you. It's about why when I walk out on the Plaza there are Jenna signs all over, why is that? Because you have a way of attracting people into your world.
'Well, this person in this chair - and there are going to be so many cool people - and everyone is going to be like, "She should be the one, she should be the one."
'People are gonna be going crazy because they're all going to seem like they fit because of you, so it's gonna be a fun ride.'
Jenna then replied: 'Well, and here's the other thing, when you have had magic, which we have had.
'We have had a beautiful ride and it has been magical and it's not me or you, it's this, which is this incredible chemistry that we've had and I've loved it and I am going to miss you.
Hoda gushed about her cohost and said whoever gets to sit next to Jenna 'will be very lucky and privileged'
It was confirmed on Thursday morning that Craig Melvin will replace Hoda when she departs today on January 10 next year
'And my poor husband is going to be like, "Please stop talking to me."
'But when you've had something like this, we just felt like, you know what, I can't fall right in love again!'
'I've gotta date girls, I've gotta date men, I've gotta date family members, people at NBC, let's date y'all!' Jenna then joked before alluding to Hoda's love life.
'So I'll be doing that on the show and you'll be doing that in real life and we'll call each other and I'll say, "Hey girl, is Kevin Costner still calling? Does he want to come on the show? Love ya!' she said as Hoda giggled beside her.
'It's gonna be a great new chapter and that all starts on January 13th,' Hoda added.
