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Jenna Bush Hager Says She’s ‘Single’ in Her ‘Work Life’ as She Searches for New ‘Today’ Cohost
Jenna Bush Hager’s quest for a new cohost reminds her of being back on the dating scene. The TV personality made a major announcement about the future of Today With Hoda & Jenna amid Hoda Kotb’s departure from the program.
“Y’all, on Monday, January 13th, we are launching our new show, it is called Today With Jenna & Friends,” Jenna, 42, told viewers during an episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna on Thursday, November 14.
Craig Melvin was announced as Hoda’s replacement for the early morning hours of the show, however, a permanent replacement for the show’s fourth hour has yet to be chosen. Instead, Jenna will host the show with a rotating panel of guests cohosts until a permanent replacement is chosen.
“Here’s the thing, Hoda, you know this, I’m a serial monogamist. I met Henry Hager 20 years ago and that was it, right, I haven’t dated in 20 years,” the former first daughter said. “I met Hoda, I fell so madly in love with you so quickly and we’ve had these years together, which have been some of the best of my entire life, OK?”
“But here’s the thing, it’s time for me to get out there guys! Y’all know the new trend roster dating? That’s what I’m going to be doing,” Jenna continued about her journey to finding her next cohost. “I’m single, not at home, but in this work life I am single and I am ready to mingle!”
It is assumed that some familiar faces, including members of the NBC family, will be taking a turn as guest cohost of Today With Jenna & Friends. We also would not be shocked if Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara Bush, steps in to serve as a guest cohost in an episode or two.
“So this show is going to be all about friendship,” she continued. “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.”
“Of course, like, the joy will continue … I mean, you are joy, you are optimism, you are hope, you are all of that personified, but that will continue,” Jenna told Hoda, 60.
Hoda’s final day on Today will be on January 10. She is looking forward to seeing Jenna thrive on the new iteration of the show.
“By the way, whoever gets the privilege of sitting here over the course of the next however long this phase goes on, will be very lucky and privileged to sit next to you for starters,” the longtime NBC star, who is a mom to daughters Haley and Hope, said. “And I think the thing is, you have a way … and I watch you, how you talk at parties and your circle of friends, I remember your 40th birthday, the circle of friends around you is a testament to you.”
“It’s about why people gravitate toward you,” Hoda continued. “It’s about why when I walk out on the Plaza there are Jenna signs all over, why is that? Because you have a way of attracting people into your world. Well, this person in this chair — and there are going to be so many cool people — and everyone is going to be like, ‘She should be the one, she should be the one.’ People are going to be going crazy because they’re all going to seem like they fit because of you, so it’s going to be a fun ride.”
Hoda’s sweet comments seemed to make Jenna rather emotional.
“Well, and here’s the other thing, when you have had magic, which we have had,” Jenna said with tears welling up in her eyes. “We have had a beautiful ride and it has been magical and it’s not me or you, it’s this, which is this incredible chemistry that we’ve had and I’ve loved it and I am going to miss you.”
“And my poor husband is going to be like, ‘Please stop talking to me,’” she joked of her marriage to Henry. “But when you’ve had something like this, we just felt like, you know what, I can’t fall right in love again!”
Overall, it seems like Jenna is pretty excited to start her new journey, even though it’s been pretty emotional with Hoda leaving.
“I’ve got to date girls, I’ve got to date men, I’ve got to date family members, people at NBC, let’s date y’all!” Jenna said. “So, I’ll be doing that on the show and you’ll be doing that in real life and we’ll call each other, and I’ll say, ‘Hey girl, is Kevin Costner still calling? Does he want to come on the show? Love ya!’”
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