Justin Sylvester Reveals Kyle Richards’ Advice Before Co-Hosting Jenna & Friends

Justin Sylvester recently wrapped up a week of co-hosting Jenna & Friends alongside Jenna Bush Hager, 

and while it was a major milestone in his career, he credits longtime friend Kyle Richards for helping him step into the role with confidence.

In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Sylvester, 38, revealed that Richards, 56, gave him some heartfelt advice before he took the co-hosting seat.

“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.

Sylvester and Richards have shared a close bond for years, dating back to his time as her assistant when she first starred on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 

Their friendship has only grown stronger, and Richards’ words of encouragement played a big role in Sylvester’s confidence as he took on the high-profile guest co-hosting gig.

Making History on Jenna & Friends

Sylvester is no stranger to The Today Show family. He first guest-hosted alongside Bush Hager in 2022, filling in for Hoda Kotb, and has been a regular contributor to the fourth-hour pop culture segment, The Scoop.

But getting the call to co-host Jenna & Friends for an entire week was a dream come true.

“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 admitted. “And to be the first gay BFF [co-host] was kind of an honor.”

Since its launch in January, Jenna & Friends has welcomed an impressive lineup of guest co-hosts, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer, Scarlett Johansson, Ciara, and Amy Poehler. Sylvester’s addition to the list was particularly meaningful to him, and he cherished every moment.

A Warm Welcome from Jenna Bush Hager

Sylvester spoke highly of Bush Hager, describing her as the ultimate welcoming presence.

“Anybody who sits next to Jenna immediately will feel like home,” he gushed. “She’s so southern, and us Southern girls are so welcoming. 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.”

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

Feeling Right at Home on Today

Having been a fan of The Today Show since childhood, Sylvester shared how surreal it was to see himself co-hosting one of the biggest morning platforms.

“I grew up with all of these people, so to see myself in a monitor or in a photo on that set is so surreal,” he said. “I’ve been doing The Scoop segment for the last four years, but it’s different when you sit in the chair and you co-host.”

A special moment came when Today legend Al Roker personally welcomed him to the show, making him feel right at home.

“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.”

Will Sylvester Return to Jenna & Friends?

While his guest-hosting stint has ended, Sylvester is hoping to make a return soon—and he’s more than ready for the invitation.

“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.”

For now, fans can continue catching Sylvester on E! News, airing Mondays through Thursdays at 11 p.m. ET, while Jenna & Friends airs weekdays at 10 a.m. on NBC.

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