The “TODAY” show has officially announced that Sheinelle Jones will become the co-host of the fourth hour of their flagship morning program, joining Jenna Bush Hager starting January 12. This marks a significant transition for the show, as Jones will be the first permanent co-host since Hoda Kotb, a beloved figure on “TODAY” for nearly two decades, stepped down last January.
In a joint statement, “TODAY” executive vice president Libby Leist and Jenna & Friends executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones expressed their enthusiasm, noting, “This marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour. 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.”
Jones, currently a co-host of the third hour of “TODAY,” will transition to the new role, while Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer will continue to co-host the 9 a.m. show. Bush Hager expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “I have found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey in January.” She also reflected on her decade-long friendship with Jones, indicating that their partnership would foster a deeper connection with the audience.
Since Kotb’s departure, Bush Hager has welcomed a variety of celebrities as guest co-hosts, including notable figures like Michelle Obama, Tyra Banks, and Scarlett Johansson. These guest appearances have allowed Bush Hager to forge connections with a diverse lineup of personalities.
Jones joined NBC News in 2014 as a co-host of “Weekend TODAY” and became co-host of the third hour of “TODAY” in 2019. After a brief hiatus due to a personal family health matter, Jones returned to the show in September, gracefully navigating the challenges of her husband’s recent death from brain cancer. In an interview, she poignantly shared her approach to grief, stating, “We don’t move on, but we move forward with our loved ones.”
During her announcement, Jones emphasized her resilience, encouraging viewers with a message of shared struggle and hope. “For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding, I just hope you know that if you see me here, that means you can do it too,” she remarked.
Jones is also a mother to three children with her late husband: Kayin, and twins Uche and Clara. Her longstanding tenure with NBC has seen her conduct memorable interviews and engage viewers through various segments, including notable Halloween performances.
Bush Hager, who began her journey with “TODAY” in 2009 and began co-hosting the fourth hour with Kotb in 2019, noted that Jones received heartfelt advice from Kotb the night before the announcement. Jones recalled Kotb’s encouragement, reassuring her that partnering with Bush Hager would be a transformative experience both personally and professionally.
This new chapter for the fourth hour of “TODAY” promises to bring warmth, authenticity, and a renewed spirit to morning television as two friends embark on their journey together.
