New York, NY — December 11, 2025 — Sheinelle Jones will officially join Jenna Bush Hager as the permanent co‑host of the Today show’s fourth hour beginning January 12, 2026. The newly named Today with Jenna & Sheinelle replaces the rotating guest co‑host format that followed Hoda Kotb’s departure earlier this year.
A Big Announcement on Air
On December 9, NBC aired the announcement live during Today with Jenna & Friends. Bush Hager introduced Jones with heartfelt praise. She said Jones embodies the warmth and authenticity of the Today brand and called their new partnership “a new chapter” for the show.
Jones stepped away from her role on the third hour of Today and will focus full‑time on the fourth hour. Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer will continue hosting the third hour.
Support From Hoda Kotb
After the announcement, former Today co‑host Hoda Kotb publicly shared her support. On Instagram, she wrote she was “weeping” with pride and called the new duo “a match made in heaven.”
Jones revealed that Kotb reached out the night before the official news broke. According to Jones, the conversation was filled with encouragement and confidence in her new role.
Jones’s Return After Personal Loss
Jones’s promotion comes after a deeply challenging year. She took a leave of absence in late 2024 to care for her husband, Uche Ojeh, who battled brain cancer and died in May 2025. She returned to Today in September, sharing emotional reflections on grief, resilience, and the importance of joy in everyday life.
During the announcement broadcast, Jones said the career milestone felt “beyond my wildest dreams.” She also spoke about the joy her children felt when she told them about the new role.
What’s Next for the Fourth Hour
Starting January 12, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle will bring the familiar blend of news, conversation, and heartfelt moments viewers have come to expect. NBC leadership praised the pairing, highlighting both women’s deep connection with audiences and their shared chemistry.
The move also marks the first permanent hosting duo in the Today fourth hour since Kotb stepped away in early 2025. [Note: Hoda’s departure was first reported and widely covered in press.
