Could Heather McMahan be the one to fill Hoda Kotb’s shoes on Today with Jenna Bush Hager?
“Jenna is one of the coolest broads I’ve ever met in the biz. She’s so kind,” McMahan told Us Weekly at her recent What’s The Tee? and FRESCA Mixed event at T Squared Social earlier this month. “Also, the entire production team over there — everyone that is working on the Today Show — genuinely some of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with. It’s just fun and every day is different. ”
McMahan, a stand-up comedian, has been one of the rotating hosts on Jenna & Friends since Kotb’s exit after making several appearances on the fourth hour with both anchors over the years.
“And obviously I’m a night cat, you know what I mean? I work at night, so for me to be bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, talking to America on national television is always a challenge,” McMahan said. “But it’s exciting and it’s exhilarating. Jenna just makes me feel at home and I adore her and I enjoy the whole crew there.”
When asked whether she would join the show on a permanent basis, McMahan told Us, “Absolutely.”
“I’ve been waiting for the offer. Come on now!” she said with a laugh. “No, I would. I mean, are you kidding me? I grew up watching Today, so for me to even be thought of or considered in that family is just truly humbling.”
Jenna Bush Hager Says There’s No Timeline for Replacing Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’
McMahan is set to be present as a guest when Kotb makes her first Today appearance on Wednesday, May 26, to cohost with Bush Hager for the first time since she departed four months ago.
“For one day only, Hoda Kotb is back!” Bush Hager teased on the morning show. “We feel so excited. I was texting her at 5:30 this morning, as one does. I can’t wait.”
McMahan, for her part, has been using her hosting skills with Summer House star Jesse Solomon for their What’s The Tee? summer series with FRESCA Mixed.
Hoda Kotb to Cohost ‘Today’ With Jenna Bush Hager for 1 Day Only
“We just like to giggle. We like to keep things light. We like to keep it refreshing with Fresca Mixed,” Heather said. “For folks that are new to golf, that are intimidated by golf, we’re here just to grab you by the shoulders gently and say, ‘Hey, calm down, it’s gonna be OK. We’ll see you on the 19th hole. Anybody can play.’”
The first episode of What’s the Tee? is available now.
