It’s official—Jenna Bush Hager is taking the seat left behind by the iconic Kathie Lee Gifford when she steps down in April. And let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions as everyone rallies around Jenna with kind words and heartfelt support. The one person who truly knows what this transition means? Kathie Lee herself. She’s been nothing short of gracious, offering her blessings and wisdom to the woman stepping into her big shoes.
At just 37 years old, Jenna Bush Hager is ready to take on the challenge, and she’s already showing immense respect for the legacy she’s inheriting. In a touching moment, Jenna shared her admiration for Kathie Lee, calling her "such a role model." She went on to say, "You’ve been so generous with your time, and you’re beloved here in so many ways. If I could capture even half of your grace and achieve a fraction of what you’ve done, my life would be incredibly fulfilling." Wow, right? That’s some serious admiration. And Kathie Lee, the Daytime Emmy winner, wasn’t shy about showering Jenna with praise in return.
Kathie Lee’s Words of Encouragement for Jenna
Kathie Lee reminded Jenna, “This day is all about you.” She then reminisced about the time Jenna filled in for Hoda Kotb during the 2018 Winter Olympics. “I saw you blossom over those two weeks,” Kathie Lee said, her voice filled with pride. “You started trusting your instincts, believing in yourself. You realized you’re not just a presence or a gift—you earned it. Every bit of it.” She continued, “You’ve earned the right to sit there and mean something to all these wonderful people who watch us every day. The magic happened when you stopped caring what others thought. Trust your instincts, Jenna. You’ve got this.”
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And let’s not forget, she didn’t just leave it there. Kathie Lee added, “You’re going to be sitting next to one of the best people in the world. Hoda has your back because she loves you. It’s going to be fun. You two are going to have a blast. And don’t worry—I’ll be tuning in whenever I can.” Wow, talk about passing the torch with grace and style. If this is how Kathie Lee’s replacement is welcomed, I can only imagine how emotional it’s going to be when she says goodbye.
