Jenna Bush Hager keeps putting herself out there on Today, and part of the reason why she comes through all the bumps and hurdles is she has Kathie Lee Gifford there as a sounding board whenever she needs it.
“Kathie Lee’s been there and done that; she’s put her foot in it so many times and emerged victorious, and she’s helping Jenna to do that, too,” an insider exclusively tells Closer of their bond. “She tells Jenna not to get flustered or carried away, but to be herself, have fun and not be too serious.”
Kathie Lee, 71, previously served as a Today host from 2008 to 2019. When she left the show, Jenna, 43, was brought on as her replacement in the show’s fourth hour to cohost alongside Hoda Kotb.
“Kathie Lee has all that experience, and she’s passing it along,” the source adds of Kathie Lee and Jenna’s friendship. “They’ve become good friends. When Jenna started out, she didn’t know what she was doing, but Kathie Lee saw potential and steered her along.”
“When Jenna has a bad day, she knows Kathie Lee is a phone call away,” the insider says. “Kathie Lee even doles out marriage advice, like have plenty of date nights, and that area in Jenna’s life is super strong thanks in part to her pal.”
Today is going through a period of transition, as Hoda, 60, is getting ready to depart the program in the new year. After Hoda’s final broadcast on January 10, Jenna will be cohosting the show’s fourth hour with a rotating panel of guest cohosts until a permanent replacement is named.
So far, several names have been thrown around as to who would be a perfect replacement for Hoda in the show’s fourth hour.
“Willie Geist is a name that keeps getting mentioned, he and Jenna get along great, he has a proven track record and the fans seem to love him,” an insider previously told Closer in November. “Michelle Buteau is another person that the bosses are very keen on giving a chance to and the word is she’ll be getting a chance to cohost and show her stuff, as well as Justin Sylvester and Michelle Collins.”
Regardless of who ends up taking Hoda’s place next to Jenna, Jenna is determined to embrace the quest for a new cohost.
“It’s time for me to get out there guys! Y’all know the new trend roster dating? That’s what I’m going to be doing,” Jenna, who is married to Henry Hager, said during an episode of Today on November 14. “I’m single, not at home, but in this work life I am single and I am ready to mingle!”
The show’s fourth hour is officially set to be renamed Today With Jenna & Friends after Hoda leaves.
“This show is going to be all about friendship,” Jenna revealed. “We have so many amazing guests and friends and family that are part of this DNA of this show, and they are going to be coming along for the ride, so we cannot wait.”
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