Jenna Bush Hager invites Gayle King to be her co-host on Today

In a recent episode of the Today show, which aired on December 3, 2024, Jenna Bush Hager made an unexpected invitation to Gayle King, a well-known CBS anchor, to join her as a co-host following the retirement of Hoda Kotb. Hoda Kotb, the current co-host, is set to leave her position in January 2025, marking a significant change in the show's lineup. As the fourth hour of Today transitions to a new format called Today With Jenna & Friends, Hager expressed a desire for King to join her on the show, reminiscing about a kind moment King had shared during a previous Olympics event. This nostalgic reflection sparked Bush Hager's invitation while addressing the playful banter between the co-hosts regarding Kotb's impending departure from the show. The conversation highlighted Hager’s respect for King and drew an amused yet slightly miffed reaction from Kotb, who humorously noted that her seat is not yet cold. Although it remains uncertain if King will leave her role at CBS to join Hager on NBC, the playful exchange has reignited interest in who might fill the void left by Kotb. The show is expected to feature a variety of guest hosts before a permanent co-host is chosen, further underscoring the excitement surrounding the upcoming changes. As this transition approaches, many celebrities have hinted at their interest in co-hosting for the new series, and the audience anticipates who will join Hager on this new chapter of Today. The dynamic presented by the humorous conversation between Hager and Kotb reflects the show's enduring appeal and the emotional impact of significant changes in its host lineup.