New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will co-host the second hour (8 a.m.) of "Today" on May 24, when the show arrives at his home state, the network said on Tuesday.
"Today" is hitting the road for its "Great American Adventure" during television's sweeps. The cast and crew will travel from coast to coast, visiting five U.S. destinations in one week, starting in Hawaii and wrapping up at the Jersey Shore, which is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy.
Other places on the tour: Yellowstone National Park, Chicago and Orlando.
Christie's hosting appearance is not a political first for the program — fellow Republican Sarah Palin also has hosted "Today" in April 2012.
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In other Christie news Tuesday, the New York Post reported that the governor — perhaps as well known for the size of his pants as he is the size of his personality — underwent lap-band stomach surgery in February.
Some believe that the extreme weight-loss measure may have just as much to do with a possible presidential run, though Christie maintains that his familial reasons are the true motivation.
“I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” he told the Post. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”