Jenna Bush Gets 'Today' Gig

Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush

Jenna Bush Hager will join Hoda Kotb as the permanent co-host of TODAY’s fourth hour later this year.

The NBC announcement comes less than three months after Kathie Lee Gifford revealed she will step down as Hoda’s partner for the fourth hour in April.

“It feels humbling and I can’t believe it,” Jenna said on the show Tuesday morning.

She shared with Hoda and Kathie Lee what her father, former President George W. Bush, told her after learning the news.

“My dad just wrote me three words, which made me weep. He said, ‘Very proud dad,’” Jenna said, her voice cracking, before she joked, “Which I’m like, what is there to be proud about? I’m just drinking wine in the morning!”

Jenna then offered kind words to Kathie Lee: “You have been such a role model and so generous with your time. ... You are beloved here in so many ways and if I can use some of your grace and have a half of what you’ve done, my life will be a very happy one.”

Kathie Lee returned the favor, telling Jenna, “You keep trusting your instincts and you’re going to sit next to the best person in the whole world because she has your back, because she has your heart. It’s going to be fun. You guys are going to have a ball.”