Jenna Bush Hager is embracing a new chapter on Today, and she couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. 

Following Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Fourth Hour, Jenna has taken the reins of Today with Jenna & Friends, welcoming a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts. 

Her latest announcement has left her “beyond thrilled” as she revealed a star-studded lineup of guests, including Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett Johansson Joins Today with Jenna & Friends

Jenna confirmed that Avengers star Scarlett Johansson will co-host alongside her for the week beginning January 21. 

The news has already generated a buzz among fans, with many eager to see the beloved actress in a completely new role. 

For Jenna, having Scarlett join her on the show is nothing short of a dream come true.

“The fact that she’s coming to give us a week of her time, she could be doing anything, is a testament to the show that we have built,” Jenna shared. “So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait. We’ve never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!”

Scarlett’s presence is expected to bring a fresh energy to the show, and Jenna has hinted that they have plenty of exciting moments planned.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Guest Hosts

Scarlett isn’t the only big name stepping in as a guest co-host. Jenna also revealed that Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer will be joining her in the coming weeks, ensuring a diverse and dynamic mix of personalities.

The announcement was officially made to People, and Jenna later discussed it on-air with Hoda Kotb during the Tuesday, January 7 episode of Today. She expressed her excitement, saying she had “so many fun things planned” for Scarlett’s guest appearance.

Hoda, who has been a longtime colleague and friend of Jenna’s, shared her enthusiasm as well. “First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person,” she said, revealing that Jenna had personally asked Scarlett to take on the role the last time she visited the Today studio.

Jenna responded with confidence, saying, “I think we’re gonna have a blast.”

The Evolution of Today with Jenna & Friends

The Fourth Hour of Today has undergone a major transformation since Hoda Kotb’s departure, which took place on January 10. Following her exit, the show was rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends, shifting from a traditional two-person hosting format to a rotating guest co-host lineup.

Jenna has embraced the change, explaining that the new format allows for greater inclusivity and variety. “What’s so cool about it is that it really does feel like we’re pulling up chairs for all different types of people,” she said. “Yes, we have actors, but we also have comedians and people in media. And I think that really is what we’re hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer.”

Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Farewell

Hoda Kotb had been a co-anchor of the Fourth Hour since 2018, building a strong connection with Jenna and the audience. However, in September 2024, she announced her decision to step away from the show to focus on her two young daughters and explore new professional opportunities.

In an emotional statement, Hoda reflected on her journey with NBC, calling it “the longest professional love affair of my life.” She expressed her gratitude for her time on the show and the support of her colleagues and viewers.

Live on-air, Hoda shared how turning 60 played a significant role in her decision. “I just turned 60, and it was such a monumental moment for me when I turned 60 years old, because I started thinking about that decade like, what does that decade mean? What does it hold? What’s it going to have for me? And I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” she explained.

Her announcement left her co-hosts emotional, marking the end of an era but also the beginning of new opportunities for both Hoda and the Today show.

What’s Next for Jenna and Today?

With the introduction of Today with Jenna & Friends, the Fourth Hour of Today is entering an exciting new phase. The rotating co-host format allows for fresh dynamics and unique perspectives, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.

While it remains to be seen whether a permanent co-host will eventually be chosen, Jenna is clearly embracing the adventure. With high-profile guests like Scarlett Johansson, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer on board, the show is poised for success in its new era.

Fans will no doubt be tuning in to see how Jenna’s chemistry with each guest unfolds, and whether one of these stars could potentially become a more permanent fixture on the show. For now, Jenna is enjoying the journey, and her excitement is contagious.

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