It has been nearly three months since Hoda Kotb stepped away from the Today show,
bringing an end to her long-running co-hosting duties on Today With Hoda & Jenna.
Since her departure in early January, the hour-long segment has been rebranded as Today With Jenna & Friends,
featuring a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
While fans have been eager to learn who will permanently fill Kotb’s shoes, NBC has yet to make a final decision.
According to an insider, the network is still in the process of evaluating potential candidates.
Despite numerous rumors circulating about who might step into the role, no official selection has been made.
“[NBC] is not close to naming a permanent co-host,” a source told Page Six. “There’s been a lot of interest and a lot of celebrities and well-known names reaching out for consideration to guest co-host.”
The insider also addressed speculation that singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson was in the running for the position. Reports have suggested that Clarkson, who has been balancing her talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show with motherhood, might be looking for a change. However, according to the source, this particular rumor doesn’t hold much weight.
“If she wants to spend more time with her kids, she certainly wouldn’t get that [at Today], and she’s never even guest co-hosted [Today With Jenna & Friends],” the source clarified.
Clarkson, who has been open about her desire to focus on family time, recently made the move to New York City to accommodate her children’s schedules. Given this, it seems unlikely that she would take on the demanding role of a morning show co-host, especially since she has yet to even test the waters as a guest host.
With NBC still searching for the right fit, many fans are wondering what direction the network will take. Some believe the show might benefit from keeping the rotating format, allowing different guest hosts to bring fresh perspectives each week. Others are hoping for a more permanent fixture, someone with the chemistry and charisma to match Bush Hager’s energy on-air.
Meanwhile, Kotb’s exit from the Today show has fueled further speculation. While her departure was initially framed as a career shift, some rumors suggest that the real reason may be different from what was originally believed. However, NBC has not officially commented on these speculations, leaving fans to wonder about the true motivations behind her decision.
For now, Today With Jenna & Friends continues to thrive with its guest-hosting format. With an array of well-known figures stepping in to join Bush Hager, viewers have enjoyed the variety of personalities and perspectives each brings to the show. Until NBC makes an official announcement, the future of the co-hosting position remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: there’s no shortage of interest in the coveted spot.
As Today continues to evolve, audiences will be watching closely to see who ultimately lands the role. Whether NBC chooses to stick with a guest rotation or selects a single permanent co-host, the decision will undoubtedly shape the show’s dynamic for years to come.
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