Say goodbye to drab and dreary dressing rooms, Today show guests. Host Hoda Kotb is letting the public know that the notoriously cramped dressing rooms are getting some much-needed upgrades following the Kelly Rowland drama about them.
Kotb, who hosts the show alongside Jenna Bush Hager, announced the news at the fifth anniversary celebration of Bush Hager’s book club, Read with Jenna, in New York City on Feb 29. Kotb was elated to announce the incoming upgrades to their backstage area for guests, while her co-host also joked about
the state of the dressing rooms, per Page Six.“We have four words for you: lipstick on a pig,” said Bush Hager. “Just some wallpaper, some nice fake flowers.”
The news comes after reports of Rowland walking off set earlier that month due to a dressing room fiasco. The Mea Culpa actress was supposed to sub host for Bush Hager to support Kotb. However, the accommodations were way below standard for the entertainer, who left due to the circumstances.
“Kelly and her team were not happy. They did not like the dressing room, so they decided to pull her off the show, leaving [Kotb] without a guest host for the 10 a.m. hour,” a source shared with the tabloid.
The unexpected incident caused disarray backstage, as Rowland had already been featured on the program’s earlier set. Kotb and her producers were forced to improvise, with Rita Ora filling in at the last minute. Kotb later addressed the situation on Today
days later, proclaiming her “great love” for Rowland and that she was always welcome to come back on the show.“I just want to say this. I have great love and admiration for Kelly Rowland. I adore her. And I want her to come back on the show… of course. She can share my dressing room. We will be in it together,” expressed the 59-year-old, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. “Anyway, I want to say we loved her on the show for many, many years.”
However, Kotb is looking forward to having dressing rooms that properly accommodate its guests. She even shared at the book club event that new amenities may be included as well.
“We’re going to have fresh paint,” Kotb shared. “We’re going to add some new furniture and decoration and snacks. Maybe a mini fridge!”
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