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© AP/ Matt Lauer

By Tim Molloy
The Wrap

Matt Lauer doesn't seem to be taking the talk of Ryan Seacrest replacing him very seriously.

The "Today" host joked about Seacrest joining the show at a celebration Thursday celebrating its 60th anniversary.

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"The people in the room right now. their names are so closely associated with the 'Today' show," Lauer said at the party, according to the New York Post. "Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters. Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley. Deborah Norville. Bryant Gumbel and Katie Couric ... Ryan Seacrest."

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The room exploded in laughter, the Post reported.

NBC executives have said they hope Lauer will remain with "Today" at the end of his contract. But the Wall Street Journal reported in December that NBCUniversal was courting Seacrest as a possible replacement for Lauer if Lauer gives up his "Today" job.

Seacrest already works for NBCUniversal company as a host of E! News. At a panel for "American Idol" last Sunday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour, he declined to comment on the "Today" report.

Though his contract with "Idol" is up after this season, he seemed eager to return to the Fox show.

"I can't imagine life without 'American Idol,'" he said.

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