Jenna Bush Hager issues shock update about future of Today show - NXT

Jenna Bush Hager has issued an unexpected update about the future of Today with Jenna & Friends – as the team frantically searches for Hoda Kotb’s replacement.

Hager, 43, shared the news while attending the launch party for Kotb’s new wellness venture, Joy 101, this week.

‘We’re not as close as I wish we were,’ Hager admitted when asked by Entertainment Tonight if a new permanent co-host would be named soon.

‘But we’re still having a lot of fun, so that feels good,’ she added.

In September, Kotb, who had been a part of NBC News for 26 years, announced that she would be leaving the show in early 2025. Her last episode aired on January 10.

Since the star’s departure, Hager has been searching for a new co-host, testing out rotating guests such as actress Scarlett Johansson, comedian Heather McMahan and E! News host Justin Sylvester to name a few.

However, as she told Entertainment Tonight, it doesn’t seem like the network is close to settling on a decision.

The news comes amid rumors that Kotb might be taking over the Kelly Clarkson show – though it’s something she denied during a Wednesday appearance on the Today Show when asked by her former colleagues Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie. 

Jenna Bush Hager has issued an unexpected update about the future of Today with Jenna & Friends – as the team frantically searches for Hoda Kotb’s replacement 

Hager shared the news while attending the launch party for Kotb’s new wellness venture, Joy 101, this week

In September, Kotb, who had been a part of NBC News for 26 years, announced that she would be leaving the show in early 2025. Her last episode aired on January 10

‘Do you think if I ever came back to TV – do you know where the only place I would ever come back to is? Right here. This is the spot!’ she said.

‘So rumors are done?’ Craig asked.

‘Delete, delete,’ Kotb said. ‘Not true.’

‘I thought you were because I know you were playing your guitar and singing a lot lately and I thought that maybe you felt like, “I’m ready for some Hoda-oke!”‘ Savannah said, referencing Clarkson’s talk show game Kellyoke.

And while Kotb isn’t taking over the show, she will be appearing as a guest next week.

‘I am going to be on Kelly’s show next week though. Just for fun,’ Hoda clarified.

The confirmation comes amid speculation Kelly is considering quitting her talk show – and that Kotb is on a list of those eyed to replace her.

In an new interview, Kotb revealed the reason for her departure from the Today show, explaining that her daughter Hope’s type one diabetes diagnosis ‘definitely weighed in’ on her exit. 

Since the star’s departure, Hager has been searching for a new co-host, testing out rotating guests such as actress Scarlett Johansson, comedian Heather McMahan and E! News host Justin Sylvester to name a few

‘We’re not as close as I wish we were,’ Hager admitted when asked by Entertainment Tonight how close she was to naming a permanent co-host for the show

‘As anyone with a child who has Type 1 (knows), especially a little kid, you’re constantly watching, you’re constantly monitoring, you’re constantly checking, which is what I did all the time when I was [at Today],’ she said.

‘You’re distracted. You just get a priority check in your life.

Read More Hoda Kotb breaks silence on daughter Hope’s debilitating health condition

‘I can be here and sweating what’s happening to Hope in the morning and in the night, or I can be there and feel relief that I can see.’ 

At the time of her exit, Kotb shared that she felt like she was making the ‘right decision’ to step away. 

‘As I write this, my heart is all over the map’ Kotb said at the time. ‘I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.

‘My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life. But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News – Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.’

She continued: ‘I’m picturing your faces and your families and all the ways you’ve lifted me up and inspired me. That’s my heart singing. So many of my professional relationships have become some of my most cherished friendships.’

She went on to pay a heart breaking tribute to her ‘ride-or-die’ Jenna Bush Hager and claimed she will ‘desperately’ miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.