Source: Daily Mail
Ever since Hoda Kotb permanently replaced Matt Lauer as Savannah Guthrie’s co-host during the first two hours of The Today Show, rumors have flown that she could be leaving the fourth hour of the program that she currently hosts with Kathie Lee Gifford. Now, a new report has surfaced that Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kris Jenner wants to be Gifford’s new co-host, but the 64-year-old is saying there is no truth to the story.
TMZ caught up with Gifford this past week as she left Michael’s New York, and when they asked her if Jenner was “campaigning hard” for the co-host gig, she immediately squashed the rumor.
“First of all, I adore Kris Jenner, we’ve been friends forever. But, Hoda ain’t going anywhere. We have a long-term contract together, and it’s all good,” said Gifford.
She went on to say that there are a lot of things in the world to worry about, but that isn’t one of them. Gifford then added that Jenner would be a good co-host, but it’s not on the table.
The rumor that Jenner wanted Kotb’s 4th-hour job showed up last week after a tabloid claimed the famous “momager” was gunning to fill the seat next to Gifford. A so-called source said that it would make sense because the two have been friends forever and they have great chemistry.
The insider also said that Jenner is always planning her next career move, and she was pulling every possible string to land the gig, even though it would mean she had to move to New York.
But, there is no truth to the story, and there is no vacancy at The Today Show. Kotb has made it clear she is staying put in the fourth hour because somebody needs to drink the wine.
Kathie Lee Gifford Denies Kris Jenner 'Today' Co-Host Rumor https://t.co/p6vAuJK5sB via @TMZ
— krystle green (@krystlegreen) January 19, 2018
A rep for Jenner said the article was nothing more than fabrication and the reality star wasn’t interested in being a Today Show host. Plus, she would never move to New York for the job.
As for Guthrie and Kotb, they have ended up turning a tough situation into a positive experience, and they have also made history by being the first two female anchors on the long-running morning show.
Kotb said that she and Guthrie had an “instant thing,” and the two just clicked. She added that they are happy and hosting the show together feels good.
The 53-year-old did admit that Lauer’s exit was a difficult time for the show, especially since everyone watched them go through it. But, something lovely and positive happened as a result, and they chose to focus on that.
NBC has not announced who will co-host with Kathie Lee Gifford when Hoda Kotb leaves to anchor the Winter Olympics.
