Jenna Bush Hager is the hot favorite to take over from Kathie Lee Gifford, according to Page Six.
Hager, 37, has become popular with viewers and NBC News chiefs alike, and is set to step into Gifford’s role when she leaves on her 11th anniversary in April 2019.
Gifford, 65, herself said Tuesday morning on the air after she announced her departure from the show: “I know somebody wonderful will be sitting in this seat afterwards.” And, “I have my idea who might be absolutely wonderful. But there’s a great pool of talent and beauty and heart right around here. And if they come from outside the family, they will soon become family because we treat everyone that way.”
Bush Hager has been a constant presence on the show, joining co-host Hoda Kotb this summer when Gifford was away in Scotland shooting the movie she wrote, “Love Me To Death.”