Kathie Lee Gifford’s ‘Today’ Seat May Be Replaced From Within (Report)

Now that Kathie Lee Gifford has decided to say adios to Today, with her final appearances scheduled for April 2019, NBC is working hard to find a suitable replacement to sit beside Hoda Kotb. And while many names have been suggested, it is being reported that the network is looking to fill that empty seat from within.

An insider tells Life & Style magazine, “NBC execs are looking to hire from within. They don’t want to make another mistake like Megyn Kelly again.” And we all know how that whole Megyn debacle ended. The insider adds, “Kathie Lee likes Jenna [Bush Hager], but producers are looking for someone who can laugh and joke with Hoda. Both Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer’s names have been thrown into the mix.” Sheinelle is a journalist who has already been the co-anchor of the Saturday editions of Weekend Today. During the week, Sheinelle is a host of MSNBC Live. As for Dylan, she’s also a very familiar face with the Today audience as the NBC meteorologist rotates with Sheinelle.

Kathie Lee and Jenna Bush — Getty Images

If there are folks hoping that everyone’s favorite weatherman Al Roker will replace Kathie, there isn’t a big chance of that happening, according to the insider. “Don’t hold your breath, but they may consider hiring one of the guys,” says the insider. “Some think Al Roker, Carson Daly, Willie Geist or Craig Melvin could end up filling the spot.”

Kathie shocked everyone earlier this month when she revealed that she wouldn’t be sitting next to Hoda for much longer, saying “I have something to share with everybody. It’s bittersweet as these things always are, but I have been here almost 11 years. Thought I would stay one year. Something happened along the way and fell in love with a beautiful Egyptian goddess and when it’s our 11th anniversary I will be leaving the Today show.”