Jenna Bush Hager, the youngest daughter of former President George W. Bush, will be joining Hoda Kotb as the new co-host of the fourth hour of the “Today” show starting later this year.
Kathie Lee Gifford announced in December that she is leaving the show on her anniversary, April 7.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that the announcement came this morning from NBC News president, Noah Oppenheim. Bush Hager has been an NBC News correspondent since 2009 and has appeared on other hours of the “Today” show.
Bush Hager shared what her father had to say in response to the news Tuesday morning with Gifford and Kotb on the “Today” show. (Related: Hoda Kotb Officially Tapped To Replace Matt Lauer)
“My dad just wrote me three words, which made me weep. He said, ‘Very proud dad.” Bush Hager then joked, “Which I’m like, what is there to be proud about? I’m just drinking wine in the morning!”
Bush Hager thanked Gifford as well including, “If I could use some of your grace and have a half of what you’ve done, my life will be a very happy one.”
Oppenheim also included in his announcement that more changes are coming. In the memo, he wrote, “This is just the first of many! The show is evolving, and we have additional announcements to share with you in the coming months.”