While Kotb’s replacement on the show, currently called ‘Jenna & Friends’, has not been announced, Craig Melvin has taken over as Savannah Guthrie’s co-host

Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC

Who will replace Hoda Kotb as the co-host on Today alongside Jenna Bush Hager? Everyone is eager to know — including Kotb, herself.

“I’m dying to find out who it’s going to be,” Kotb, 60, tells PEOPLE at the inaugural Runway for Recovery fashion show in NYC when asked about her replacement co-host on Today‘s fourth hour.

Kotb admits she’s excited to watch the segment — which is currently being called Jenna & Friends, featuring a different celebrity every week until a permanent replacement is found — evolve with its new co-host. “I’ve been talking with Jenna about it. I keep saying, ‘Who’s going to be our friend forever?’” Kotb shares.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on December 3, 2024 on NBC’s Today Show. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

What this process of transition has taught Kotb, who retired to spend more time with her daughters Haley Joy, 9, and Hope Catherine, 5, is that she had a great co-host in Bush Hager, 43. “What this has shown me is that Jenna is a mega talent,” Kotb explains. “It was always clear to me, but it’s even clearer because now I’m watching her have blind dates every week with new co-hosts, and the common thread is how awesome she is. She’s incredible. So whoever she chooses is going to be great with her.”

Bush Hager’s impending co-host isn’t Kotb’s only replacement. In November, Craig Melvin was named her replacement, co-anchoring the 7 and 8 a.m. hours of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie. “Savannah and Craig — come on,” Kotb says with excitement. “It’s like two peas in a pod, man. That was so meant to be.”

Though no longer on Today, Kotb’s bond with Bush Hager and Guthrie, 53, remains strong. “I’ll talk to them, I’ll call them,” she shares, adding, “They’re like, ‘What can we do? When do you need me?’ So they are here for my next great adventure. It’s just fun.”

Of course, Kotb can never completely say goodbye to Today. The former co-host keeps a stack of sentimental friendship bracelets on her arm from her last day at work. “All these bracelets that I got are from people who gave me them on the last day. This lady gave me one that says ‘January 10, 2025’ — she gave me the date. This one says ‘Today show’. This one says, ‘Hoda. Be kind,’” Kotb tells PEOPLE while pointing to individual bracelets. “Anyone who gave me one on the last day I’ve been wearing it. I can’t take them off yet.”

With more ventures in store in the future, including an upcoming wellness launch in May, Kotb says this next chapter of life is something she is looking forward to. “I’m feeling fresh,” she says. “I’m feeling sunny.”