Jenna Bush Hager (left) and Scarlett Johansson.Photo:Getty; WireImage
Getty; WireImage
Scarlett Johanssonhas a new gig!
TheBlack Widowstar will be joiningJenna Bush HageronToday with Jenna & Friendsas a guest co-host, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21, Bush Hager tells PEOPLE.
“Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. TheGirl with a Pearl Earring, I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read,” theTodaystar, 43, says. “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”
Both Bush HagerandJohansson have twin siblings, and they also have daughters similar in age. Johansson’sdaughter Rose is 10 years old, whileBush Hager’s eldest, Mila, is 11.
Scarlett Johansson on The Today Show in November 2024.NBC
NBC
“It’s just a wild dream. But that’s what I’m saying, 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. So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait,” Bush Hager adds. “We’ve never seen Scarlett Johansson host a daytime show before!”
During the Jan. 7 broadcast, Bush Hager teased the show has “so many fun things planned” with Johansson.
“First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person,” Kotb said. “And right away, I still remember, right when she was here, you were like, ‘Can she do it?’ You know when you know someone’s gonna be good at something?”
“I think we’re gonna have a blast,” Bush Hager added.
Today with Jenna & Friendswill launch Jan. 13, followingHoda Kotb’s last day on Jan. 10. Bush Hagerannouncedon the Jan. 6 broadcast thata rotating list of celebrity guestswould be stepping in to help fill the empty slot before Johansson takes over. The stars includeTaraji P. Henson,Eva LongoriaandKeke Palmer.
“What’s so cool about it is that it really does feel like we’re pulling up chairs for all different types of people,” says Bush Hager. “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, Jenna Bush Hager, and Scarlett Johansson on the Today Show in November 2024.NBC
Still, with all of the excitement that comes with kickstarting a new “era” for the fourth hour ofToday, Bush Hager would be remiss if she didn’t admit that everything feels particularly “bittersweet,” too.
“I adore Hoda. She’s the best partner. She’s been the most generous partner, and we are truly really great friends, so the thought of her not being here is almost too much to bear,” Bush Hager says.
Nathan Congleton/NBC
“Obviously, I’ve had months to wrap my head around it, although I cannot promise that our last Hoda-bration won’t also be filled with tears. I’m sure it will be just because I can’t help it,” says Bush Hager. “I’m excited and nervous and thrilled, and I’m also really, really going to miss Hoda.”
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Todayairs weekdays, beginning at 7 a.m. ET, on NBC.
source: people.com
