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Scarlett Johansson Announced as Hoda Kotb’s Celebrity Replacement in Today’s 4th Hour for Week 2
Jenna Bush Hager already has an impressive roster of celebrities slated to guest cohost Today With Jenna & Friends and she just added another superstar to the list!
On Tuesday, January 7, Jenna, 43, announced that Scarlett Johansson will serve as a guest cohost on the show from January 21 through January 24.
“I’m so excited,” the former first daughter said. “Scarlett is going to be here the whole second week and she’s been amazing. We have so many fun things planned.”
It’s been a dream for Jenna to work with the Avengers actress.
“Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. The Girl With a Pearl Earring, I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read,” Jenna told People of the announcement. “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”
“It’s just a wild dream. But that’s what I’m saying, the fact that she’s coming to give us a week of her time, she could be doing anything, is a testament to the show that we have built. So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait,” she said. “We’ve never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!”
Hoda Kotb was very supportive, giving her stamp of approval as she prepares to leave Today on Friday, January 10.
“First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person,” the NBC personality reflected. “And right away, I still remember, right when she was here, you were like, ‘Can she do it?’ You know when you know someone’s gonna be good at something?”
“I think we’re gonna have a blast,” Jenna remarked.
The day prior, it was announced that in the first week after Hoda’s departure from Today, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer will be guest cohosting Today With Jenna & Friends, the show’s fourth hour.
“We love these women, we’ve said we love these women,” Jenna said during the Monday, January 6, episode of the talk show. “I feel like Hoda helped me manifest this. Nobody will ever fill this chair, but the three of them sure can try.”
She’s referring to January as the “month of wonder women” on Today.
“What’s so cool about it is that it really does feel like we’re pulling up chairs for all different types of people,” Jenna said. “Yes, we have actors, but we also have comedians and people in media. And I think that really is what we’re hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer.”
But she admitted that seeing Hoda, 60, take her final bow on Today will be difficult after five years as cohosts.
“I adore Hoda. She’s the best partner. She’s been the most generous partner, and we are truly really great friends, so the thought of her not being here is almost too much to bear,” Jenna confessed.
“Obviously, I’ve had months to wrap my head around it, although I cannot promise that our last Hoda-bration won’t also be filled with tears. I’m sure it will be just because I can’t help it,” she continued. “I’m excited and nervous and thrilled, and I’m also really, really going to miss Hoda.”
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