People: Here ‘Today,’ gone next fall
Whatever her husband’s approval ratings might be these days, first lady Laura Bush was a hit Tuesday as a guest host on NBC’s “Today.”
“You did that so well, it’s obvious that we are overpaid,” news anchor Ann Curry marveled after Bush did a brief voiceover announcement.
“Well, it’s been obvious we’re overpaid for a long time,” co-anchor Matt Lauer chimed in. “It didn’t take Mrs. Bush to prove that.”
In the unusual, much-promoted appearance, the first lady co-hosted the third hour of the four-hour “Today” sprawl, sharing her slot with Curry and Al Roker.
It was pegged to the publication of “Read All About It,” a new children’s book she co-authored with daughter Jenna.
The mother and daughter jointly interviewed children’s author R.L. Stine.
In a pretaped feature appropriate for Earth Day, the first lady gave Curry a tour of the Bush home in Crawford, Texas, which was designed to be eco-friendly.
And New Orleans chef John Besh officiated as Curry, Roker and Laura Bush competed to construct the best po-boy sandwich in 25 seconds. Bush was declared winner.
To be continued?
Speaking of books, Miley Cyrus – aka the Disney Channel’s Hanna Montana – has signed a deal to write her memoirs at age 15.
Scheduled for release next spring, it will focus on the guidance of her mother, Leticia. (Dad is country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.)
“I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams,” the younger Cyrus says.
Dream on, boys
Meanwhile, racy photos of a girl who looks a lot like Miley Cyrus, flashing a green bra and a bare midriff, are making the rounds online.
In recent months, shots have surfaced online of a Cyrus lookalike posing in her underwear and a bikini. No comment from her publicists.
Taking the hip-hop leap
On the rapper romance front, Kanye West and his fiancee, fashion designer Alexis Phifer, have reportedly broken off their engagement.
But a village clerk in Scarsdale, N.Y., says she’s received a marriage license for Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z, dated April 4 and signed by the person who officiated at their wedding.
The couple have refused to confirm widespread rumors about the marriage.
He must have some moves
Another season, another romance on “Dancing With the Stars” – this time between actress Shannon Elizabeth and her professional partner, Derek Hough, who were caught kissing on the beach in Malibu.
Fellow celebrity dancer Marissa Jaret Winokur wasn’t shocked that the 34-year-old Elizabeth and Hough were a couple, but she was surprised to hear that he was only 22.
“He sure doesn’t dance like a 22-year-old,” Winokur says.
The birthday bunch
Actor Lee Majors is 69. Actress Blair Brown is 60. Actress Joyce DeWitt (“Three’s Company”) is 59. Actor James Russo is 55. Director Michael Moore is 54. Actress Judy Davis is 53. Actress Valerie Bertinelli is 48. Comedian George Lopez is 47. Actress Melina Kanakaredes is 41. Actor Kal Penn is 31.