Hoda Kotb has revealed her choice for her successor on the “Today” show. The 60-year-old morning show host discussed her preferred replacement in a recent interview with E! News. “The person I envision is someone who shares a strong chemistry with Jenna [Bush Hager],” Kotb stated on Oct. 25, referring to her co-anchor on the fourth hour of “Today.”
“That’s my only requirement. It’s never about the individual anchors; it’s about the dynamic between them. So, bring that chemistry.” She added, “Whether it’s Jenna’s best friend, a colleague, or a celebrity, if they click, that’s all that matters. If they have that chemistry, it will be perfect.”
Kotb clarified that while she doesn’t have a formal say in NBC’s decision, she has encouraged Bush Hager, 42, to voice her preferences during the selection process. “I told Jenna, ‘Trust your instincts. Go with what feels right for you,'” Kotb recounted. “She’ll know; the connection has to feel natural, like a fun party vibe. It can’t be forced.”
The “Making Space” podcaster also offered advice to her future successor. “You’ll be sitting next to Savannah Guthrie, so just enjoy the ride and say ‘thank you very much,’ OK?” Kotb told E!
The morning show host, who surprised fans in September with her announcement of leaving after 26 years with the network, described her ongoing work on the show as a “gradual farewell.” “It can be quite challenging,” she admitted. “It’s a peculiar process that I wasn’t fully prepared for.”
Despite this, Kotb is excited about her next chapter, which won’t include early morning starts. “I’ve discovered a 5:30 Soul Cycle class in my town, which I plan to attend,” she shared. “I’ll spend time with people, then go home to prepare breakfast for my kids and make coffee in my Yeti. I’ll walk my kids to school and kiss them goodbye.”
Kotb is the mother of two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 4, with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Her full interview will air tonight, Oct. 29, at 11 p.m. on “E! News.”
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