Justin Sylvester is singing Jenna Bush Hager’s praises, commending her for the warmth and hospitality she extends to every guest cohost on the fourth hour of Today. 

The E! News personality, who recently had the opportunity to cohost Today with Jenna & Friends, shared his admiration for Jenna’s ability to make her cohosts feel instantly at home.

Jenna’s Welcoming Spirit Shines on Today

Justin, 38, joined Today from February 18 to February 21, filling in as a guest host alongside Jenna, 43. 

During his time on the show, he experienced firsthand the energy and kindness she brings to the studio every morning. 

Speaking with People, he expressed his gratitude for working with her.

“She’s so Southern, and us Southern girls are so welcoming,” Justin said. “But just to see her in this journey, taking on this role, has been a blessing for me, and I’m just so proud to say I have been there since day one.”

Justin has previously cohosted with Jenna, first stepping in as a temporary replacement for Hoda Kotb in 2022. Since then, he has developed a deep appreciation for Jenna’s humor, describing her as someone who keeps everyone entertained, even behind the scenes.

“I just am reminded every time I see her how funny she is,” he added. “I’m always in stitches in the makeup room, always in stitches during commercial breaks, and always in stitches on set. I mean, this girl is so funny and just so down to earth, you wouldn’t believe it.”

A Dream Come True for Justin Sylvester

For Justin, getting the chance to cohost Today was more than just another job—it was the fulfillment of a longtime dream. Before stepping onto the set, he turned to a trusted friend for advice.

“Kyle Richards is always my rock, and her just reminding me to be myself and reminding me that I got this was huge,” he shared, referring to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 56.

Justin also spoke about the significance of his role, noting that his presence as a guest host was especially meaningful to him.

“This is something that I had been praying for and something that I hoped would happen since the day I found out about Jenna & Friends,” he explained. “To be the first gay BFF was kind of an honor.”

Jenna’s Growing List of Guest Cohosts

Since Hoda Kotb’s departure from Today’s fourth hour on January 10, Jenna has welcomed a rotating lineup of guest cohosts under the new title Today with Jenna & Friends. She has shared the desk with a variety of well-known personalities, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer, and Scarlett Johansson.

Fans of the show can look forward to another exciting addition to the lineup this week, as comedian Heather McMahan joins Jenna from February 24 to February 28.

Justin’s Enthusiasm for Today’s Guest Hosting Experience

Reflecting on his time with Jenna, Justin made it clear that he would gladly return if given the opportunity.

“Listen, if Jenna said, ‘Will you come hang out with me at Trader Joe’s?’ I would come,” he joked. “Anyone who gets to sit in that seat should feel honored, and if she wanted me back there, I would be there in a drop of a hat.”

Hosting a show like Today has been a surreal experience for Justin, who has been a familiar face to viewers for years through his E! News segment, The Scoop. However, cohosting a major morning show felt like a whole new level of accomplishment.

“To see myself in a monitor or in a photo on that set is so surreal,” he admitted. “I’ve been doing The Scoop segment for the last four years, but it’s different when you sit in the chair and you cohost on one of the biggest morning platforms.”

Justin also expressed his appreciation for the warm response he has received from viewers.

“It’s fun to hear, ‘Oh, my mom is a big fan of yours,’ or, ‘My aunt just totally loves you.’ I just love it.”

Jenna’s Excitement for Upcoming Guest Hosts

Jenna herself was thrilled to have Justin join her for the week and is equally excited about her next cohost, Heather McMahan. She teased her upcoming week with the comedian during a recent episode, expressing how much fun she expects them to have together.

“I need to get the Depends ready because nobody makes me laugh harder than Heather,” Jenna joked on February 20.

She also hinted at a mix of laughter and more heartfelt moments, adding, “She has such a good soul, I think we’ll see a different side of her too.”

As Today with Jenna & Friends continues to bring new and familiar faces to the morning show, one thing remains certain—Jenna’s charm, humor, and warmth continue to win over both her cohosts and fans alike.

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