Who Will Replace Kathie Lee Gifford on 'Today'?

It’s been just a few days since Kathie Lee Gifford broke the news that she’ll be stepping away from Today in April, and fans are already buzzing with speculation about who might fill her shoes. Hoda Kotb, who has been a beloved co-host alongside Kathie Lee, will undoubtedly need a new partner in crime. Enter Jerry O’Connell, an actor who’s no stranger to the show and might just be a perfect fit. Fans are already rooting for him.

Jerry O’Connell’s Love for ‘Today’

Jerry O’Connell, a familiar face on the NBC morning show, has visited and co-hosted on multiple occasions. And in a recent interview with E! News, he opened up about his feelings regarding a potential full-time role. “Officially, I haven’t heard anything, but I absolutely adore that format. And Hoda? She’s a gem. She’s an infectious, beautiful soul. It’s such an exciting time in her life,” Jerry shared. “For anyone who gets to join her, it’d be an incredible honor.”

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Our #ChoosedayTuesday guest host @mrjerryoc showed off his go-to dance move 🤣🤣 Tap our link in bio to watch. (📷: @photonate)
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A post shared by Kathie Lee and Hoda (@klgandhoda) on Sep 25, 2018 at 4:15pm PDT

Jerry’s Enthusiasm for the Role

When asked how he’d feel about potentially working alongside Hoda, Jerry didn’t hold back. “To work with Hoda? Of course! It would be an honor. Who wouldn’t want that? But is it happening? Not yet,” he joked. “Never say never, though, right? That’s my motto!” His energy and excitement are palpable, making fans wonder if this could be the start of something special.

Jerry, now 44, also took a moment to express his sadness over Kathie Lee’s departure. “I’m genuinely upset that she’s leaving. As a viewer, it’s going to feel different without her. But for Kathie Lee herself? I’m happy for her. She’s one of the hardest-working women in the business, whether it’s TV, music, or Broadway. Kathie Lee and Hoda have been my girls for years. It’s going to be tough to see her go,” he confessed.

Kathie Lee’s Heartfelt Goodbye

Kathie Lee made her announcement on December 11 during an emotional episode of Today. “I have something to share with everyone, and it’s bittersweet, as these things often are. I’ve been here for almost 11 years. I thought I’d stay for just one, but something magical happened along the way. I fell in love with a beautiful Egyptian goddess, Hoda Kotb. And when we hit our 11th anniversary, I’ll be leaving the Today show,” she revealed. “It’s an exciting chapter for me, with new projects on the horizon. But it’s also hard because the reason I stayed longer than a year is because of the incredible people here. I’ve been in this industry for what feels like forever, but I’ve never worked with a group as giving as this one. Four hours of live TV, five days a week—it’s no small feat.”

“We’ve laughed together, supported each other, and known each other’s kids’ names. We’ve even known when someone was getting a colonoscopy. We’ve shared life, and no one embodies that more than Hoda. She’s been like a sister to me. When I left Regis, I thought I’d never find that kind of bond again. But Hoda, you’ve changed my life forever. First, you were just Hoda, remember?” Kathie Lee concluded, leaving fans hopeful that Hoda and her next co-host will share the same special bond.