Hoda Kotb, the beloved co-anchor of the “Today” show, recently expressed her disappointment when Kelly Rowland decided to walk off the set. In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” at Savannah Guthrie’s book launch party, Kotb revealed her love for Kelly and her hope for a second chance.
“We love Kelly. She’s one of our all-time favorites,” Kotb said. “There’s no one who’s more gracious or graceful than Kelly.” Despite the setback, Kotb has been reaching out to Rowland, hoping that she will give the NBC crew a do-over.
“We’ve been texting back and forth, and I gave her a call,” Kotb explained. “I said, ‘Come on, girl. We’re waiting. We’ll do a re-do.’ So, hopefully, we’ll do a re-do.” It’s clear that Kotb values Kelly Rowland’s presence and wants her back on the show.
In addition to the drama, Kotb’s third-hour co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, humorously admitted that the dressing rooms could use a makeover. “We decided we’re gonna re-wallpaper them ’cause I like interior design, so I’ve taken over,” Hager revealed. Kotb chimed in, acknowledging that the dressing rooms are not the greatest. She even playfully teased Hager, saying her dressing room is “a closet.”
But despite the less than glamorous dressing rooms, Kotb sees the charm in it. She compares the tight spaces to the backstage dressing rooms in Broadway theaters. “That’s kind of what the ‘Today’ show is like,” Kotb explained. “You walk around, and it’s such a beautiful place, but there are tiny little spaces.”
Savannah Guthrie, another co-anchor on the show, also acknowledged the aging studio. “It’s incredible and iconic, but it’s old,” Guthrie said. “You get the good with the bad. If you want history, sometimes you’re gonna have a few little chips of paint coming off the wall.” Despite the challenges, the crew tries their best to make the show enjoyable for everyone.
After Kelly Rowland’s sudden departure, singer Rita Ora stepped in to fill her role. However, Kotb made it clear to the viewers that she wanted Rowland to come back. She even offered her own dressing room to entice her return. While Rowland hasn’t directly addressed the drama, her representative released a statement praising her kindness and amiable nature.
In the end, it’s evident that the “Today” show crew values Kelly Rowland and wants her to return. With Hoda Kotb leading the charge, there’s hope for a second chance and a chance to make things right.
