Kotb reportedly feels upset that she was not consulted about Hager's hiring, though it is noted that she has no problem with Hager.
- Feb 27, 2019
AceShowbiz - Jenna Bush Hager has been announced as the replacement for Kathie Lee Gifford on the fourth hour of "Today". The announcement was made during the Tuesday, February 26 broadcast of the NBC daytime talk show.
"It was the worst kept secret in show business," Gifford joked, alluding that rumors of Hager being her replacement were already running rampage. Of her new gig, Hager said, "It feels humbling and I can't believe it."
The conversative co-host also revealed that her dad, George W. Bush, was just as happy as her. "My dad just wrote me three words, which made me weep. He said, 'Very proud dad,' which I'm like, 'What are you proud about? I'm just drinking wine in the morning,' " she said.
Hager also gushed over Gifford, calling her "a role model" for her. "You are beloved her in so many ways and if I can use some of your grace and have a half of what you've done, my life will be a very happy one," she continued. Gifford, who yesterday revealed that her last day on the show would be on April 5, believed that Hager would be doing just fine. "You're gonna sit next to the best person in the whole world who will always have--because she has your back, she has your heart," she assured Hager.
In related news, Hoda Kotb reportedly feels upset that she was not consulted about Hager's hiring. The 54-year-old TV personality had "little choice" regarding the decision of who would replace Gifford, according to Radar Online.
While Kotb doesn't have issue with Hager, the former wished that she would be consulted for the matter. "Hoda likes her but it would have been nice to have been asked to make the final decision," claims a source.
Additionally, the source shares that Hager is "livid" because the hiring didn't come as soon as Gifford announced her departure from the show, prompting best friend Savannah Guthrie to put her at ease. "Jenna is very close with Savannah. Savanah is the boss of the show. She decides everything and told Jenna to just relax," the source says.
