Let's talk about the Today show family. Savannah Guthrie, the ever-energetic co-anchor, has been sending some major love Jenna Bush Hager's way after the announcement that Jenna will be stepping into Kathie Lee Gifford’s shoes. As we all know, big shoes are hard to fill, but it seems like Jenna is more than ready for the challenge.
On February 26, the official word came down: Jenna, who’s only 37, will be joining Hoda Kotb on the fourth hour of Today starting in April when Kathie Lee, a beloved veteran at 65, says her goodbyes. This news has been met with nothing but glowing praise from Jenna's colleagues, including Savannah, who took to Instagram to express her heartfelt support.
“I am bursting with joy and pride! Who better than my dearest @jennabhager to carry on this beautiful, fun, funny, magical show that @klgandhoda started!!” Savannah wrote alongside a video showing Hoda, 54, and Kathie Lee breaking the news. She continued, “The torch (and by torch, I mean wineglass) is passing from one lovely lady to another.” And let’s be honest, the fourth hour is all about the wine, right? It’s one of the reasons so many of us feel connected to it.
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What Jenna Bush Hager Brings to the Table
Jenna, who comes from a family of trailblazers—her grandmother was none other than Laura Bush—is thrilled to take over for such a television icon. But she didn't forget to acknowledge Kathie Lee during her announcement on the show. “You have been such a role model and so generous with your time,” Jenna said. “You are beloved here in so many ways, and if I can use some of your grace and have a fraction of what you’ve accomplished, my life will be a very happy one.”
Kathie Lee, who plans to bow out on April 5, clearly approves of Jenna stepping into her role. After all, she's been a mentor and a guiding force in Jenna's journey. “This day is about you,” Kathie Lee told Jenna, reflecting on the time Jenna stepped in for Hoda during the 2018 Winter Olympics. “Those two weeks, I saw you blossom. You started to trust your instincts, you started to believe in yourself,” Kathie Lee added. “That you are not only a presence and a gift but you earned it. You earned the right to sit and be something to all these wonderful people who watch us every day.”
