Jerry O’Connell Gushes At The Idea Of Being Hoda Kotb’s New Co-Host — ‘It Would Be An Honor’

It’s only been a few days since Kathie Lee Gifford revealed she’ll be leaving Today in April. But fans are already curious to know who will replace the TV personality as Hoda Kotb‘s new co-host. One contender? Jerry O’Connell.

The actor has visited and co-hosted the NBC morning series on many occasions, and now, he’s gushing over the idea of appearing on the show for good. “Officially, I have not heard anything. I love that format. I love Hoda,” Jerry shared with E! News in a new interview. “Hoda is an infectious, beautiful soul. It’s such an exciting time in her life. It would be an honor for anyone who gets to be there with her.”

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He also expressed his enthusiasm when asked how he’d feel if he was asked to work with Hoda. “To work with Hoda? Of course! Anybody would be. It would be an honor. Yes, of course,” he added. “Is it happening? No.” Never say never is our motto!

Jerry, 44, went on to share how upset he is that Kathie Lee is leaving the show. “I’m sad for me, the viewer,” he confessed. “Am I sad for Kathie Lee? No, she’s the hardest working lady in show business. Not only in television but music and Broadway… Kathie Lee and Hoda — those are my girls.”

Kathie Lee announced her departure on Tuesday, Dec. 11 during an episode of the show alongside Hoda. “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. I know. It’s an exciting time for me and I’m thrilled about the projects coming up, but it’s also hard is because the reason I stayed longer than a year is because I love everybody here. I have been in this business 120 years and never worked with a more beautiful group of people who just give, give, give every day, four hours of live television five days a week,” she revealed.

“We laugh and support one another and know each other’s kids names and know when somebody is having a colonoscopy. We know everything! We do life and nobody more so than my Hoda. It’s going to be the same as my Regis [Philbin]. I’m closer to him now than after 15 years together. You don’t share that life together and not be changed forever by it. I love you, Hoda mama. First, you were just Hoda, remember?” Kathie Lee concluded. Here’s hoping Hoda and her next co-host are as tight as she and Kathie Lee are!

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