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Hoda Kotb hands over the torch.
The Joy 101 founder, 61, reflected on her time hosting Today’s fourth hour with Shinelle Jones on the cover of this week’s PEOPLE, first with Kathie Lee Gifford and then with Jenna Bush Hager.
“First of all, I’m honored to be one of the stewards of this show. It’s an honor. And I think what’s so moving to me is watching Jenna learn the ropes as a baby. And now, as a proud mom, I’m watching her carry[the show]for a year at No. 1. I was watching her, and I was so proud,” Kotb says. “And now, seeing Jenna and Sheinelle where the magic is reignited is one of the most satisfying emotions for me.”
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Jenna and Sheinelle Today began on January 12, with Kotb and Gifford making a surprise appearance to toast a new era for the show.
“First of all, you invented this genre. You really invented it,” Jones told Gifford during the broadcast.
Kotub added. “All you want is for this show to continue to be a huge success. By the way, I have no doubt in my mind that this show will be a huge success, so I’m proud of it. I feel like a proud mother saying, ‘Look at my daughters. Look at them. They’re doing it.'” Do you notice that when you see your kids riding bikes? You’d think, “Oh my god, they’re going to do it all themselves.” ”
Kotb co-hosted Today with Hoda & Jenna from 2019 until his retirement in January 2025. Kotb, a mother of two, has chosen to step down from her role on Today to spend more time with her daughters Haley Joy, 9, and Hope Katherine, 6, and focus on her wellness app Joy 101.
Prior to co-hosting with Bush Hager, Kotb co-hosted Kathie Lee & Hoda and Today with Gifford starting in 2008.
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“I think it’s really amazing to see and witness[Jenna and Sheinelle]and I’m so proud of Jenna for doing this all year long,” Kotb added of Bush Hager hosting Jenna & Friends with over 60 celebrities.
“And now, being able to have a peaceful place with a professional like Sheinelle is going to be next level,” she says.
