COUNTRY STARS COHOST ‘TODAY’

THE HOTTEST COUNTRY MUSIC STARS WILL JOIN HODA KOTB AS GUEST CO-HOSTS DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 23

NEW YORK – August 17, 2010 – She’s gone country!  “Today’s” Hoda Kotb will toss her stilettos and champagne for her cowboy boots and brew.  All next week, the hottest country music stars will join Hoda as guest co-hosts of the fourth hour of “Today.”

The fun starts Monday, August 23, with the original “Hillbilly Bone” Blake Shelton serving as guest co-host. On Tuesday, “This One’s For the Girls” with Martina McBride strumming it up alongside Hoda. “Son of a Preacher Man” John Rich will co-host Wednesday, and Thursday, Grammy Award winning Trisha Yearwood will sit in the anchor seat.  Finally, Josh Turner will bring his baritone up a notch to end the week on a high note.

Jim Bell is the executive producer of “Today,” (Mon.-Fri., 7-11 a.m.).