Sheinelle Jones Officially Named Jenna Bush Hager’s New Co-Host for Today’s Fourth Hour After Hoda Kotb’s Departure

Nearly a year after Hoda Kotb stepped away from Today, the show has finally found its new co-host — and it’s Sheinelle Jones.

During the Dec. 9 broadcast, Jenna Bush Hager announced that Jones will officially join her as the permanent co-host of the 10 a.m. hour, starting Jan. 12. The announcement brought Bush Hager to tears on air.

“Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of co-hosting this hour with 60 incredible friends — people who inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and helped me learn more about myself,” Bush Hager said. “And you, the audience, have been with me through all of it. Thank you so much.”

She continued, “Today, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve found my forever friend, and we’re starting a brand-new journey in January. You all know her — she’s an extraordinary broadcaster. But more importantly, she represents everything this show is meant to be.”

As a montage of their friendship and on-air moments played, Jones admitted she didn’t know “whether to laugh, cry, or scream!”

She reflected on her childhood dream of being on the news, saying, “To have a show like this — it’s beyond anything I ever imagined.” Both hosts recalled their longtime connection, often filling in for Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

Bush Hager added, “I’m excited for this new version of the show. It began with Kathie Lee and Hoda, built on friendship and the goodness you can find when you surround yourself with people who see you and love you. Now I get to sit next to Sheinelle — someone I’ve known for a decade — and fall even more in love with who she is.”

For Jones, the role carries deeper meaning: “I feel like there’s a divine purpose here. We can bring joy, hope, and comfort. As healing and fun as this is for me, I hope we can bring that same feeling to people watching at home.”

Since Kotb’s departure on Jan. 10, the hour had been renamed Jenna & Friends, with Bush Hager welcoming a rotating lineup of stars and colleagues. Meanwhile, Jones has continued co-hosting the 3rd Hour of Today, where she has been a familiar presence since joining the Today team in 2014.

Late last year, Jones took time off to care for her husband, Uche Ojeh, who passed away in May after battling glioblastoma at age 45. She returned to the show on Sept. 5 in a pre-taped interview with Savannah Guthrie, explaining that her laughter on-air is part of her healing: “If you see me laughing, root for me — I’m fighting for my joy.”

“Cancer doesn’t have to steal our joy,” she said. “We can get up, go to work, go to school, and squeeze the most out of every day. I feel like Uche’s heartbeat lives on in mine, and I owe it to him to live fully.”

Jones also opened up about navigating grief with her children — Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche, 13. She recalled how difficult the first Friday after her return was: “There was nothing to rally for. It was like, ‘This is life now. And honestly, it kind of sucks.’”

While guest-hosting Jenna & Friends on Sept. 22, Jones shared that the pain hit especially hard that Saturday morning — a time she and her husband always used to reflect on their week together. “My coach is gone. My life partner is gone,” she said. “The days after that first week were really tough because this is my new normal.”

Bush Hager grew emotional as she praised her friend: “I’ve never met anyone stronger.”

When Jones returned on Sept. 5, she spoke about the overwhelming support she received from her colleagues — including Bush Hager, who frequently sent treats for the kids. “You all have been my oxygen,” Jones said.

Bush Hager has co-hosted the 10 a.m. hour since 2019 — then titled Hoda & Jenna — taking over the seat long held by Kathie Lee Gifford. Earlier this year, she told PEOPLE, “Every joke I tell is funnier because of Hoda.” She described leading the show without Kotb as “a privilege and a responsibility,” adding, “I learned from the best — and she left big shoes to fill with her beautiful optimism.”