Jenna Bush Hager Reveals New 'Today' Host
Jenna Bush Hager, 2016. Photo courtesy of Moody College of Communication under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Sheinelle Jones was officially named the permanent co-host of the 10 a.m. hour of the "Today" show on December 9, 2025, marking a heartfelt new chapter for the beloved NBC morning franchise. Starting January 12, Jones will join Jenna Bush Hager as co-host of the newly rebranded "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle," ending nearly a year of rotating guest hosts following Hoda Kotb's departure earlier in the year.
This announcement is more than just a programming update. It signals a moment of renewal and emotional resonance for viewers who have come to know Jones as a familiar, comforting presence. A seasoned journalist with NBC since 2014, Jones brings a rare blend of resilience, warmth, and authenticity to the screen — qualities that have only deepened after her personal journey through loss and healing. Now, as she steps into this permanent role, audiences can expect to see her guiding them through the morning with a spirit shaped by both professional excellence and profound human experience.
A New Era With a Forever Friend
Jenna Bush Hager's announcement was filled with emotion and gratitude. She described Jones as her "forever friend" and expressed excitement about embarking on this new journey together, as reported by PEOPLE. Their chemistry, already evident during Jones's guest hosting stints, promises to bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the show. Bush Hager's heartfelt words underscored the deep bond they share, a connection that viewers will now witness every weekday morning.
The fourth hour of "Today" had been in a state of flux since Kotb's exit in January 2025. The show was temporarily renamed "Today with Jenna & Friends," featuring a rotating cast of guest hosts ranging from Hollywood stars to NBC colleagues. Jones herself was among these guest hosts, stepping in with grace and poise just weeks after returning to work following the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, from an aggressive brain cancer.
Weathering Loss With Strength and Authenticity
Jones's journey has been one of courage and vulnerability. After her husband's passing in May 2025, she took a leave of absence to care for him and grieve. Her return to the "Today" show in September was marked by an emotional conversation with Savannah Guthrie, where Jones shared how she was fighting for joy despite the pain, adding, "So just as healing as it is for me and fun, I hope we can bring that for people at home," as reported by PEOPLE. Jones's openness about her grief and resilience has resonated deeply with viewers, making her not just a trusted journalist but a source of inspiration.
Her role as a mother to three children — Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche, 13 — adds another layer to her relatable on-air persona. Jones has spoken candidly about the challenges of navigating life after loss, describing the "new normal" she faces, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Jenna Bush Hager has publicly praised Jones's strength, reportedly calling her one of the strongest people she has ever met, a testament to the profound respect and affection between the two co-hosts.
A Trusted Voice for a Hopeful Tomorrow
Jones's permanent appointment is a strategic and emotional win for "Today." As executive vice president Libby Leist and executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones noted, the pairing of Jenna and Sheinelle marks an "exciting new chapter," as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Both women have grown within the ranks of "Today" and are beloved for their authenticity, warmth, and genuine connection with the audience. Their partnership promises to continue the show's tradition of blending news, friendship, and heartfelt moments in a way that feels both comforting and uplifting.
Jones's move from co-hosting the 9 a.m. hour alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer to the 10 a.m. hour with Bush Hager also signals a shift in the show's dynamic. The 9 a.m. hour will continue with its current hosts, while Jones will bring her unique voice and perspective to the later hour, which has historically been lighter and more conversational. This transition allows Jones to fully embrace a role that aligns with her strengths as a broadcaster who can balance empathy with engaging storytelling.
The Power of Friendship on Morning TV
The story of "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle" is as much about friendship as it is about news. The show's roots trace back to the beloved duo of Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, who set the tone for a morning program that celebrates connection and joy. Jenna Bush Hager has carried that legacy forward, and now with Jones by her side, the show is poised to continue that tradition with renewed energy and heart.
Jones herself has described the role as a "higher purpose," emphasizing the responsibility to bring joy, hope, and comfort to viewers, as reported by PEOPLE. Her presence on the show is a reminder that morning television can be a place of healing and inspiration, especially in times of personal and collective challenge.
What Comes Next for Today's Fourth Hour?
As the new year begins, "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle" will offer viewers a blend of news, interviews, and lighthearted moments, anchored by two women whose friendship and professionalism shine through. The show's rebranding reflects a commitment to authenticity and emotional connection, qualities that Jones embodies fully.
References: Today' Show Announces New Permanent Co-Host Sheinelle Jones | Sheinelle Jones Announced as Jenna Bush Hager's Today Fourth Hour Co-Host After Hoda Kotb Exit | Sheinelle Jones joins Jenna Bush Hager as permanent 'Today' host
