Jenna Bush Hager is being touted as the frontrunner to replace Kathie Lee Gifford when she departs “Today” next year.
Bush Hager is popular among viewers and has had the advantage of subbing for Gifford when she is on vacation, a source has told People.
On Tuesday after Gifford announced her impending departure, Bush Hager tweeted her congratulations to Gifford.
We adore you KLG. Thanks for your love, friendship and for your hilarity. You will be dearly missed. ❤️ https://t.co/8oUduJQEgl
— Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) December 11, 2018
Gifford told her “Today” colleagues Wednesday that she originally planned to leave after 10 years, but stayed on after the show experienced “turmoil” as she put it, E!Online reports, most likely referring to the exit of Matt Lauer in late 2017. E!News also floated Meredith Viera‘s name in its list of possible replacements, as well as John Cena and Maria Shriver.
Moments after Kathie Lee Gifford announced her upcoming departure from “Today,” speculation began as to whom would take over the coveted spot opposite Hoda Kotb. According to a new report, Jenna Bush Hager is the “favorite” to fill those shoes.
“Jenna’s my hot bet to join Hoda,” the NBC source told Page Six.
After a tearful walk down memory lane, Kathie Lee said she has an idea of who should take over her job, but she didn’t name names.
“I know somebody wonderful will be sitting in this seat afterwards,” she said. “I have my idea who might be absolutely wonderful. But there’s a great pool of talent and beauty and heart right around here. And if they come from outside the family, they will soon become family because we treat everyone that way.”
(Excerpts) Read More at: WonderWall.com and BizJournals.com
