The departure that stunned morning-TV fans everywhere has now set off one of the most closely watched anchor searches in years. When Hoda Kotb tearfully announced she would be stepping away from Today after 17 years, viewers immediately began speculating about who could possibly fill the chair beside Savannah Guthrie. And according to insiders, one rising star at NBC is already emerging as the name on everyone’s lips.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Laura Jarrett—the 40-year-old attorney-turned-anchor who currently leads Weekend Today—is considered a “big contender” to replace Hoda when she officially leaves the weekday broadcast in early 2025. Jarrett joined the morning franchise just two years ago, but insiders say her rapid ascent has been impossible for NBC executives to ignore.
An internal source told Us Weekly that Jarrett’s blend of legal expertise, on-air confidence, and newsroom respect makes her the most talked-about candidate. “She’s a darling at the Today show who has risen up very quickly,” the insider revealed. “She has a really strong chance.” Like Guthrie, Jarrett trained as a lawyer, a professional parallel that network decision-makers reportedly find appealing.
Still, she’s not the only name being floated. The network could choose to rearrange its current lineup instead of pulling from the weekend roster. That scenario might place veteran anchor Craig Melvin or third-hour host Sheinelle Jones in the coveted role. Both have filled in for Hoda and Savannah over the years and are already familiar faces to weekday viewers. But as one insider put it, “Laura Jarrett is the one everyone内部 is watching closely.”
The anticipation is amplified by the emotional impact of Hoda’s farewell announcement. During the segment, the beloved anchor shared that stepping away was one of the hardest decisions she had ever made. Fighting back tears, she explained that turning 60 gave her clarity about how she wanted to spend her time—and who she wanted to spend it with.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page,” Hoda said. “I had my kids late in life, and they deserve a bigger piece of my time.” Her daughters, Haley and Hope, whom she shares with former fiancé Joel Schiffman, were at the heart of her decision. “We only have a finite amount of time,” she added. “With all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”
Her announcement left the entire studio emotional. Many of her cohosts were visibly shaken, including Dylan Dreyer, who later hinted that the new anchor may already be in their orbit. “I don’t think if they named anyone in our core group it would be surprising,” she told E! News. “We’ve all filled in along the way when somebody’s out.”
Dreyer also couldn’t resist adding a tongue-in-cheek comment about her own ambitions. Laughing, she said: “Everybody knows I’m trying to get Al Roker to retire, let’s be honest.”
As the guessing game continues, the attention on Jarrett grows. She has stepped into Hoda’s seat multiple times over the past year, delivering polished interviews and fair, incisive reporting. Since officially joining Today in 2023, she has gained recognition for her coverage of major national stories, her depth of legal analysis, and her approachable presence—qualities crucial for a job that requires balancing breaking news with morning warmth.
But the competition is fierce, and NBC has remained tight-lipped. Executives are reportedly weighing not only chemistry and viewer trust, but also long-term strategic decisions for the show’s future. Hoda and Savannah’s partnership—built over eight years—became a hallmark of the program. Replacing one half of such a trusted duo requires precision.
Still, many insiders believe Jarrett already has what it takes to step into the role seamlessly. With her polished delivery, calm confidence, and growing fan base, she wouldn’t be a gamble; she would be an evolution.
Hoda, meanwhile, has emphasized that she is not disappearing from public life entirely. She will continue her work with charities and children’s organizations, and she plans to remain open to new creative projects. But for now, the anchor says she is ready to savor the quiet moments of motherhood she missed during years of 3 a.m. wake-up calls.
Behind the scenes, NBC is reportedly aiming to finalize a decision before the year ends, allowing the network to introduce the new anchor with fanfare at the start of 2025. Until then, viewers will be watching every fill-in segment, analyzing every lineup change, and trying to spot hints of who will ultimately take the seat next to Savannah Guthrie.
If the buzz inside 30 Rock is any indication, Laura Jarrett may be the name viewers hear very soon.
One thing is certain: whoever steps into the role will inherit not just a desk, but a legacy—one shaped by warmth, resilience, and the unmistakable presence of Hoda Kotb.
