As Hoda Kotb gears up to step down from her role on Today, fans are buzzing with anticipation about who will step into her shoes. The beloved host recently opened up about her thoughts on the matter, and let me tell you, her words carry a lot of weight. She’s not just looking for someone to fill her seat but someone to bring magic to the show.
Speaking with E! News on October 25, Hoda shared her vision for her successor. “The person I want is someone who has beautiful chemistry with Jenna [Bush Hager],” she revealed. “That’s all I want. It’s never about either anchor; it’s always about what’s between them. So bring the chemistry.” Hoda emphasized that the connection between co-anchors is the glue that holds the show together, and she’s holding out for that spark.
It’s All About Chemistry
Hoda, who’s been a mainstay on the show for years, doesn’t care if the new anchor is Jenna’s best friend or a celebrity guest. What matters most to her is that the two hosts gel naturally on screen. “When she gets in sync, that’s it. If they have chemistry, it will be beautiful,” the 60-year-old host added. Hoda’s focus is clear: creating a harmonious environment where Jenna can thrive and the audience can enjoy the show.
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Ultimately, Hoda wants Jenna, who’s 42, to feel comfortable and confident with her new co-host. “I said to Jenna, ‘Feel who you want. Feel what feels right for you,’” Hoda, the author of Hope Is a Rainbow, explained. “She’ll know, because the only way it’s going to work is if they have a vibe or not. Just the fun party vibe. It can’t be forced.” Hoda’s message is simple: let Jenna’s instincts guide the decision-making process.
Potential Contenders for the Role
NBC hasn’t officially announced Hoda’s replacement yet, but several names are floating around. Hoda herself had a witty take on the matter. “Look, you get to sit next to Savannah Guthrie,” she joked. “Here’s what you’re going to do: You’re going to ride sidecar and say ‘thank you very much,’ OK?” Her words are filled with humor, but they also highlight the immense talent and charisma Savannah brings to the table.
One name that’s been heavily speculated is Laura Jarrett, who recently filled in for Jenna on Today’s fourth hour as a guest co-host. According to an NBC insider, Laura is a strong contender. “The big contender who everyone at the network is talking about is Laura Jarrett — she has a really strong chance,” the insider told Us Weekly on September 26. “She’s the anchor of Weekend Today; she’s a lawyer like Savannah. She’s a darling at the Today show who has risen up very quickly.”
Other potential options include moving around current anchors. “They could put Craig [Melvin] with Savannah, or they could put Sheinelle [Jones] with Savannah,” the insider added. It seems NBC is considering various combinations to find the perfect fit for the morning show.
Hoda’s Vision for the Future
Dylan Dreyer hinted that Hoda’s replacement might already be familiar to the Today audience. “I don’t think if they named anyone in our core group of people it would be surprising,” the meteorologist told E! News on September 26. “We’ve all filled in along the way when somebody’s out. I don’t know if anybody’s made any decisions yet, but if it’s one of the core group, I really don’t think it’s that surprising.”
For Hoda, stepping down from Today means more time to focus on her family and personal life. The mom of two daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, is excited about the change. “I’ve found out, in my town, there’s a 5:30 Soul Cycle class which, I’m going to start,” she told the outlet.
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Hoda recently moved into a new home in the suburbs, and she’s looking forward to a more relaxed routine. “I’m going to spend it with humans, then I’m going to go back and feed my kids breakfast and I am going to make a coffee to go in my Yeti,” she shared. “I’m going to walk my kids down the beautiful streets to their school and I’m going to kiss them goodbye.” It’s clear that Hoda is ready to embrace this new chapter with open arms.
