After months of buzz, rotating familiar faces, and plenty of “Who will sit next to Jenna today?” moments, the search is officially over. Jenna Bush Hager has found her permanent partner-in-crime for the fourth hour of TODAY — Sheinelle Jones!
Jenna shared the news on December 9, revealing that Sheinelle will step in as her new co-host on the newly rebranded TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, beginning January 12. The move marks the first time the hour has had a full-time co-host since Hoda Kotb left the slot, and it feels like a true full-circle TV moment.
Sheinelle, 47, will transition out of the 3rd Hour of TODAY as she settles into her new role. Meanwhile, Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer will continue holding down the 9 a.m. hour.
“You all know her, she’s an extraordinary broadcaster, but more importantly, she exemplifies exactly what this show is all about,” Jenna said as she introduced her new seatmate in a December 9 episode.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Sheinelle Jones attends the “Mostly What God Does” book presentation on February 21, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Sheinelle, equally emotional and visibly honored, told viewers, “To have a show like this is beyond my wildest dreams. This is the real deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.”
The two embraced as Jenna admitted she was already fighting tears: “I knew I was going to cry before you walked out, I tried not to.”
This moment is especially meaningful, coming just weeks after Sheinelle returned to work following the devastating loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who died of brain cancer at 45. Opening up in September, she shared with Jenna, “ “My coach was gone, right? My life partner. The days after my first week were tough. Because it’s my new normal.”
Sheinelle’s new role comes after a year of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, which featured a whopping 60 guest co-hosts — everyone from Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Obama to Cardi B, John Legend, Scarlett Johansson and nearly the entire SNL universe. Even Jenna’s husband Henry popped in more than once.
Sheinelle also took a turn as guest co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Friends in September, when the duo reminded viewers that they have plenty of experience co-hosting together.
Sheinelle also compared her guest co-hosting stint to a date.
“Hopefully this will be a date where you walk away and go, ‘OK, hopefully she calls me tomorrow!’” Sheinelle said to Jenna.
“You’re coming back,” Jenna promised. And that she is!
“This marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour,” TODAY executives Libby Leist and Talia Parkinson-Jones said in a statement to staff. “Jenna and Sheinelle are two extraordinary talents who have grown within the ranks of TODAY. They are beloved for their authenticity, warmth and genuine connection with our TODAY audience.”
