Texas woman Jenna Bush Hager will join Hoda Kotb in the fourth hour of the "Today" show on NBC. Hager is one of President George W. Bush's daughters and has been appearing on NBC for years.
Hager says she was especially touched by her dad's reaction to the news. "Very proud dad," he wrote to her. But Hager jumped in with a sweet, self-deprecating response: "What is there to be proud about? I'm just drinking wine in the morning!"
The news was expected, especially since Hager had been appearing more and more on the "Today" show. Kathie Lee Gifford joked that it was "the worst-kept secret in showbusiness" on Tuesday when the news was announced on NBC.
Hager replaces Gifford, who has been co-hosting the Today show with Kotb for 11 years. Lee is retiring on April 7, 2019, and an NBC email notes that there will be "some changes" to the show.
Will there still be wine at 10 a.m.? We sure hope so.
Watch the "Today" show announcement with Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager and Kathie Lee Gifford:
So thrilled for my sweet friend, @JennaBushHager. She will be a beautiful addition to this show that I have grown to love so much. @hodakotb is one blessed Hoda Mama. pic.twitter.com/DJQskFRFoi
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) February 26, 2019
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