Hoda Kotb is “confident that NBC will make the right decision” when it comes to eventually choosing her replacement for Today’s fourth hour, an insider exclusively tells Closer.
Hoda, 60, will be celebrated during her final Today broadcast on January 10, which is sure to be full of surprises, tears and celebrity appearances.
“Her big concern right now is her last day, which is being planned as a huge party with special moments and surprise guests,” the insider adds. “Hoda isn’t prepared; she knows it will be an emotional day, and there will be a lot of tears. It’s going to be a very bittersweet send-off.”
So far, Craig Melvin was named as Hoda’s replacement for Today’s early morning hours. But the question still remains regarding who will permanently replace Hoda on Today With Hoda & Jenna, the show’s fourth hour.
“Hoda is very beloved, almost irreplaceable, so it won’t be an easy decision,” the source adds. “And whoever gets the spot will be under a lot of pressure.”
Starting on January 13, guest cohosts will sit next to Jenna Bush Hager each week in the show’s fourth hour, which will be renamed Today With Jenna & Friends. Eventually, NBC will decide who will take over Hoda’s seat in the fourth hour permanently.
Several celebrities have already offered to take Hoda’s spot on the program, including Saturday Night Live’s Mikey Day and Law & Order: SVU’s Mariska Hargitay. Mariska, 60, visited Today on October 1, just a few days after Hoda announced she would be leaving the show.
“I love you. I love you so much and I am so proud and inspired by you,” the actress told Hoda. “I was so excited to see you today, and I’m so grateful to be able to say that. Because you know — we’re 26 years together, baby, and we’re 60 together — and so when you made your decision, I said ‘Yes.’”
“And my gosh, I grieve for all of us in this country who’s gonna miss you — and most of all you,” Mariska said, referring to Hoda’s coanchor Savannah Guthrie.
She also said that she would be “happy to step in any time” to cohost the show after Hoda leaves.
Mikey, 44, threw his hat in the ring for the cohosting position while visiting the show on December 3.
“Mikey, there’s a chair open,” Jenna, 43, told the comedian during the episode. “Would you ever host a morning show?”
“Are you kidding? Let’s do it! Jenna and Mikey!” he remarked. “Immediately thinking about my own personal interest. I’m so sorry. Are you going to have guest hosts?”
“Well, I’m throwing my hat in the ring, producers,” Mikey said with enthusiasm.
While attending the American Museum of Natural History Gala in NYC on December 5, Mikey said that he actually had no idea Hoda was leaving the show until his Today appearance.
“I found out on the air,” he told Closer of Hoda’s departure from the program. “But I would absolutely go there and fill in anytime they need someone. It would be fun because those ladies are great.”
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