Hoda Kotb shares one requirement she's looking for in her 'Today' show replacement
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: As Hoda Kotb prepares to say goodbye to the 'Today' show after nearly 17 years, she's offered insight into what she hopes to see in her replacement.
"The person who I want is someone who has beautiful chemistry with Jenna [Bush Hager]. That's all I want. Because it’s never about either anchor, it’s about what’s between. So bring the chemistry," said Kotb.
Hoda Kotb encourages Jenna Bush Hager to follow her instincts
Hoda Kotb emphasized that whether it’s someone from Jenna Bush Hager's circle or a familiar celebrity, the connection has to feel genuine.
"If she has chemistry, it will be beautiful," added the 60-year-old journalist.
Although Kotb noted she would not have a say in the final decision, she encouraged Hager to trust her instincts in the search process.
"I said, ‘Jenna, feel who you want. Feel what feels right for you,'" recalled Kotb.
“The only way it’s going to work is if they got a vibe or not. Just the fun party vibe. It can’t be forced,” she added.
Hoda Kotb's humble tip for her successor
Hoda Kotb also shared a lighthearted tip for her future replacement on how to approach the 'Today' team dynamic.
"Look, you get to sit next to Savannah Guthrie," she joked, adding, "Here’s what you’re going to do: You’re going to ride sidecar and say ‘thank you very much,’ OK?"
Since announcing her departure in September, Kotb described her last few months on the show as a “slow goodbye,” per E! News.
“It can almost be really grueling. It’s sort of like a strange process, which I wasn’t quite prepared for,” she shared.
Hoda Kotb's plans after 'Today'
Hoda Kotb already has plans for her post-'Today' mornings. "I’ve found out, in my town, there’s a 5:30 Soul Cycle class which I’m going to start," she said.
As a mother to daughters Haley, seven, and Hope, five, she’s looking forward to quality time with them.
"I’m going to go back and feed my kids breakfast and I am going to make a coffee to go in my Yeti. I’m going to walk my kids down the beautiful streets to their school and I’m going to kiss them goodbye."
In addition to moving on from her full-time role, Kotb recently shared that she plans to explore wellness in her next chapter.
“I've been so turned on by the wellness space. I tried different things, and I noticed my body was calmer," she said.
Hinting at personal projects, she said, “I want to work in that space. I want to start things."
“I want you guys to come along on the ride with me because let’s all get better! Why not?” the famed journalist added.
