{"id":210102,"date":"2025-12-09T16:22:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T16:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/09\/sheinelle-jones-joins-jenna-bush-hager-as-new-permanent-co-host-on-today\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T16:22:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T16:22:26","slug":"sheinelle-jones-joins-jenna-bush-hager-as-new-permanent-co-host-on-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/09\/sheinelle-jones-joins-jenna-bush-hager-as-new-permanent-co-host-on-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheinelle Jones Joins Jenna Bush Hager as New Permanent Co-Host on \u2018TODAY\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"


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After months of buzz, rotating familiar faces, and plenty of \u201cWho will sit next to Jenna today?\u201d moments, the search is officially over. Jenna Bush Hager<\/strong><\/a> has found her permanent partner-in-crime for the fourth hour of TODAY \u2014 Sheinelle Jones<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> left the slot, and it feels like a true full-circle TV moment.<\/p>\n

Sheinelle, 47, will transition out of the 3rd Hour of TODAY as she settles into her new role. Meanwhile, Craig Melvin<\/strong>, Al Roker<\/strong>\u00a0and Dylan Dreyer<\/strong> will continue holding down the 9 a.m. hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all know her, she\u2019s an extraordinary broadcaster, but more importantly, she exemplifies exactly what this show is all about,\u201d Jenna said as she introduced her new seatmate in a December 9 episode.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Jamie McCarthy\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption>
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK \u2013 FEBRUARY 21: Sheinelle Jones attends the \u201cMostly What God Does\u201d book presentation on February 21, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Sheinelle, equally emotional and visibly honored, told viewers, \u201cTo have a show like this is beyond my wildest dreams. This is the real deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two embraced as Jenna admitted she was already fighting tears: \u201cI knew I was going to cry before you walked out, I tried not to.\u201d<\/p>\n

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, \u201c \u201cMy coach was gone, right? My life partner. The days after my first week were tough. Because it\u2019s my new normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sheinelle\u2019s new role comes after a year of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, which featured a whopping 60 guest co-hosts \u2014 everyone from Taraji P. Henson<\/strong> and Michelle Obama<\/strong> to Cardi B<\/strong>, John Legend<\/strong>, Scarlett Johansson<\/strong> and nearly the entire SNL<\/em> universe. Even Jenna\u2019s husband Henry<\/strong> popped in more than once.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Sheinelle also compared her guest co-hosting stint to a date.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully this will be a date where you walk away and go, \u2018OK, hopefully she calls me tomorrow!\u2019\u201d Sheinelle said to Jenna.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re coming back,\u201d Jenna promised. And that she is!<\/p>\n

\u201cThis marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour,\u201d TODAY executives Libby Leist and Talia Parkinson-Jones said in a statement to staff. \u201cJenna 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n