Today has ‘NOT made permanent decision’ on Jenna Bush Hager’s co-host
Today show has not yet made a decision on who will officially replace Hoda Kotb as the co-host of the network’s fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager, an insider has told DailyMail.com.
Since Hoda’s departure in January, Jenna, 43, has been trialing a range of cohosts on the show, which has aptly been named Jenna & Friends.
So far, actress Scarlett Johansson has been the standout presenter and went down so well with viewers that she has been invited back to co-host in March.
But despite Jenna & Friends launching six weeks ago, the Today show is no closer to landing on a permanent fixture.
And it appears bosses are not in a rush to land on a new presenter to replace Hoda, 60.
An insider close to the show told DailyMail.com: ‘There has been no permanent cohost decision for today with Jenna & Friends.’
Hoda Kotb had presented the show, Today with Hoda & Jenna, alongside Jenna Bush Hager
Actress Scarlett Johansson went down a storm with viewers after she guest co-hosted the show in January
They continued: ‘There is no reason to make a decision now.
‘There’s been a lot of people vying for the opportunity to guest co-host.’
Hoda, who had been part of NBC News for nearly three decades, announced her decision to leave the Today show last year.
In a letter to her colleagues, she explained that turning 60 sparked a seismic ‘shift’ in her life.
‘As I write this, my heart is all over the map,’ Hoda said.
‘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.’
The host went on to pay a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘ride-or-die’ Jenna and claimed she will ‘desperately’ miss everyone she has worked with on the popular morning show.
‘Savannah: my rock,’ she continued. ‘Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at Today desperately.’
It was announced in November that Jenna would continue to host the fourth hour following Hoda’s exit, which has since been renamed Today with Jenna & Friends.
Explaining the concept of the new show at the time, Jenna said: ‘ 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!
‘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.’
