Pop singer and former "Newlyweds" star Jessica Simpson will be one of Rosie O'Donnell's first guests when she begins as co-host of "The View" in New York, People reported.

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The two performers have a long history together from the time when Simpson was first starting out.

"Rosie took a chance on her and Jessica never forgot it," a source said regarding Simpson's appearance on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" several years ago.

O'Donnell not only gave Simpson a break, but also encouragement, the source told People. "Rosie went backstage afterwards and said, 'You're gonna be a star.'"

"The Rosie O'Donnell Show" aired in syndication from 1996 to 2002.

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O'Donnell begins her new assignment on ABC's "The View," replacing former co-host Meredith Vieira, Sept. 5.

Vieira is replacing Katie Couric on NBC's "Today" show.