Key Takeaways
- Hoda Kotb has given her stamp of approval to Sheinelle Jones as her replacement on the "Today" show
- Sheinelle Jones will join Jenna Bush Hager as co-host of the fourth hour of the "Today" show, starting January 12
- Jones previously served as co-host of the "3rd Hour of Today" and took a hiatus from the show after the death of her husband in May
- Jenna Bush Hager has been hosting the fourth hour with a rotating slate of celebrity co-hosts since Hoda Kotb’s departure
- The new show, "Today with Jenna and Sheinelle," is set to debut on January 12
Introduction to the New Co-Host
Hoda Kotb, the longtime NBC anchor, has given her seal of approval to Sheinelle Jones, who will be joining Jenna Bush Hager as co-host of the fourth hour of the "Today" show. Kotb took to Instagram to express her support for the new duo, writing "OK. I am weeping" and "Puzzle pieces that fit perfectly." This endorsement comes after NBC announced that Jones would be permanently filling the seat left vacant by Kotb in January. Jones will be joining Bush Hager on "Today with Jenna and Sheinelle," which is set to debut on January 12.
Sheinelle Jones’ Background
Sheinelle Jones, 47, has been a part of the "Today" show family for some time, serving as co-host of the "3rd Hour of Today" alongside Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin. However, she took a hiatus from the show in December 2024 after the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May. Ojeh passed away from an aggressive form of brain cancer, and Jones returned to the show in September. Despite her hiatus, Jones has emerged as the perfect fit to join Bush Hager on the fourth hour, and her hiring marks the end of a months-long search for a permanent co-host.
The Search for a New Co-Host
Since Hoda Kotb’s departure from the "Today" show, the fourth hour has been temporarily dubbed "Jenna & Friends," with a rotating slate of celebrities filling in as co-host. Bush Hager has welcomed a cast of A-listers and Hollywood mainstays, including Dwyane Wade, Ciara, Scarlett Johansson, Olivia Munn, Brooke Shields, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, Michelle Buteau, and Regina Hall. Other notable guests have included comedian Heather McMahan, singer Wynonna Judd, E! News host Justin Sylvester, and "Saturday Night Live" stars Chloe Fineman, Amy Poehler, Cheri Oteri, Mikey Day, and Ana Gasteyer. The search for a permanent co-host has been ongoing, but it seems that Jones has finally found her perfect match in Bush Hager.
The Announcement
The announcement of Jones’ new gig was made at the top of Tuesday’s show, with Bush Hager becoming emotional as she shared the news with audiences. "Today, I am so thrilled to announce I have found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey in January," she said. "I couldn’t be more excited to share this person with you all." The news was met with excitement from fans and colleagues alike, with Kotb’s endorsement serving as a seal of approval for the new duo. With Jones and Bush Hager at the helm, the fourth hour of the "Today" show is set to enter a new era, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds.
The Future of the "Today" Show
The addition of Sheinelle Jones to the "Today" show lineup marks a new chapter for the program. With her experience and chemistry with Bush Hager, the duo is set to bring a fresh perspective to the fourth hour. As the show prepares to debut on January 12, fans can expect a mix of entertaining and informative content, including interviews with celebrities, discussions on current events, and lifestyle segments. The "Today" show has a long history of providing high-quality programming, and with Jones and Bush Hager at the helm, it’s likely that the show will continue to thrive. As Kotb said, Jones and Bush Hager are "puzzle pieces that fit perfectly," and their partnership is set to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the show.
