Florence Henderson to co-host "Later Today" on NBC!

Well, it's official! Florence Henderson has been named co-host of "Later Today," NBC News' new addition to the morning line up. It's going to debut on Tuesday September 7, 1999 and in most markets it will follow the "Today" show at 9:00am on NBC. Daily Florence - what more can you ask for! The announcement came today during the NBC Press Tour, finally making official what "Later Today" host Jodi Applegate called, "the worst kept secret in television." The press was first treated to a screening of all the new "Later Today" promos. They will start airing tomorrow, so keep your eye out! The tag line - It's like Today, only Later! - got a good laugh from the audience, and seems to set up the premise of the show. (Click on any photo for a larger view) Host Jodi Applegate, and co-hosts Florence Henderson & Asha Blake were joined by Jeff Zucker, executive-in-charge of "Later Today" for a room full of press. Florence said, "Probably a lot of you grew up with me. I had done a guest appearance on the "Today" show a few months ago with Katie Couric and we had a great time. Next thing you know, I'm at a meeting with Jeff and he said 'We aren't offering this to anyone else...we want you!' I turned around to see if Shirley Jones or Marion Ross were standing behind me, but they were talking to me! I feel like I'm starting my career again. I am so excited!" Many audience members seem very excited too, as Florence captivated everyone with her personality, as usual. When someone asked about the age differences between Florence and the other women, she said "These 2 young ladies are going to have a hard time keeping up with me! I move pretty fast. I think a large section of the viewing public is my age. And we need a voice - I hope to be that voice. I enjoy life and I hope that I can make them feel hopeful, feel good, feel optimistic, have fun and laugh!" Jeff said, "Jodi and Asha bring a great news background to this show, and Florence brings experience. But what they all bring is tremendous personality. The show is going to combine news and programming for women. There won't be a regular news reader, or a weather person, but if there is a day of overwhelming news then Jodi or Asha will take over and do news on those days. Otherwise, the show will combine entertainment and information." All 3 women talked about how they will chat and do interviews, but will have more information than is usual for the 9-10am time slot. The show sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun and be informative too. It will be live from the NBC studios in New York, and will have a studio audience. The show will also utilize the crowd that gathers daily outside the "Today" show studios and certain segments that get 5 minutes on the "Today" show (like the summer concert series) will be extended on "Later Today." If today was any indication, the chemistry between Jodi, Asha and Florence is going to keep you watching, laughing and learning every weekday morning from 9-10am on NBC! Read the official NBC Press Release