Sheinelle Jones is stepping into a significant role as the new co-host of the fourth hour of the Today show, following the departure of Hoda Kotb. The announcement was made on December 9, revealing that Jones will join Jenna Bush Hager in the permanent role. Sheinelle, who first became part of the Today family in 2014, has a rich history with the program, having previously co-hosted the 3rd Hour of Today alongside recognizable faces like Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker.
Jenna Bush Hager emotionally addressed the audience during the Jan. 9 broadcast, reflecting on her experience co-hosting with numerous guest personalities over the past year. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the viewers and shared her excitement about welcoming Jones to the team. “Today I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ve found my forever friend and we’re gonna start a brand new journey in January,” Bush Hager said, highlighting Jones’s exceptional broadcasting skills and the connection they share.
Their friendship was celebrated in a moving segment, where Jones remarked on the magnitude of her new role, recalling her childhood dreams of a career in news. “To have a show like this, it’s beyond my wildest dreams,” she said, underscoring the significance of her journey.
Since Kotb’s exit in January, the fourth hour has continued under the name Jenna & Friends, with Bush Hager engaging various stars and colleagues to fill the hosting role. Sheinelle’s transition marks a return to a more stable format for the show.
Jones’s journey has not been without its challenges. Last year, she took a leave of absence to care for her husband, Uche Ojeh, who sadly passed away in May after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She made her return to the show in September, sharing her experiences and how she chose to approach life and joy after loss.
During her emotional return, she emphasized the importance of continuing to find happiness and purpose despite grief. “Cancer doesn’t have to steal our joy,” she affirmed, encouraging a message of resilience and determination. Jones has openly discussed her ongoing journey with grief, particularly during significant family moments, and as she navigates her role as a mother to three children.
Her colleagues, including Bush Hager, have been a source of support, providing kindness and assistance throughout her husband’s illness and after his passing. On September 22, while guest hosting, Jones opened up about the challenges she’s faced since returning to work, describing how moments of reflection have been bittersweet.
Bush Hager, who has co-hosted the 10 o’clock hour since 2019, expressed admiration for Jones, commending her strength during such a difficult time. She acknowledged the emotional weight of continuing the show without Kotb, describing it as both a privilege and a significant responsibility.
As the new year approaches, the addition of Sheinelle Jones to the Today team marks a promising chapter for both her and the program, setting the stage for new dynamics and shared experiences in the weeks to come.
