After nearly a year of rotating through a list of 60 potential co-hosts, Jenna Bush Hager has officially named Sheinelle Jones as her permanent partner for the fourth hour of TODAY. Jenna made the exciting announcement on December 9, revealing that the duo will host the newly renamed TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Sheinelle will officially step into her role as the first permanent co-host of the fourth hour since Hoda Kotb’s departure on January 12.
During her introduction, Jenna praised Sheinelle for her exceptional broadcasting skills and her embodiment of the show’s spirit. “You all know her, she’s an extraordinary broadcaster, but more importantly, she exemplifies exactly what this show is all about,” Jenna expressed. An equally emotional Sheinelle expressed her thrill, stating, “This is the real deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.”
As Jenna welcomed Sheinelle to her new seat with a heartfelt hug, she couldn’t contain her emotions. “I knew I was going to cry before you walked out, I tried not to,” Jenna said. Reflecting on the moment, Sheinelle remarked, “You couldn’t write this script.”
At 47, Sheinelle will transition from her current position on the 3rd Hour of TODAY to join Jenna in this new chapter. The pair will replace the previous format that featured a variety of guest co-hosts. TODAY’s executive vice president, Libby Leist, and the executive producer of Jenna & Friends, Talia Parkinson-Jones, shared their enthusiasm for this new arrangement, stating, “This marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour.” They highlighted the authenticity, warmth, and genuine connection Jenna and Sheinelle share with the audience.
Sheinelle has been a valued member of NBC News for over 11 years, known for her insightful interviews and memorable moments, including her popular Halloween performances as iconic celebrities. Her recent stints as a guest co-host have rekindled the chemistry between the two hosts. In September, when Sheinelle guest co-hosted, she humorously likened her appearance to a date, expressing hopes for a future collaboration.
This past year has been particularly challenging for Sheinelle, as she navigated the recent loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer. In September, she spoke candidly about her struggle to adapt to a new normal after the profound loss, acknowledging her husband as her life partner and coach. A heartfelt surprise from her close friends during an episode touched her deeply, showing the strong support system surrounding her.
Sheinelle shared that her children were among the first to hear about her new role, with their happiness creating a joyful atmosphere at home. She also mentioned that she wore one of her late husband’s shirts on the day of the announcement, offering a prayer before stepping onto the set to embrace her new journey with Jenna.
Over the past year, the fourth hour has featured a variety of special guests, from Oscar nominees like Taraji P. Henson to former First Lady Michelle Obama, along with a host of musicians and actors. The diverse lineup of co-hosts brought both humor and warmth to the show, with appearances from stars including Scarlett Johansson and comedians from “Saturday Night Live,” ensuring that the show remained vibrant and engaging during the transition. Jenna’s husband, Henry Hager, has also made appearances alongside her, emphasizing the familial spirit that characterizes the program. As the new partnership begins, fans of the show can look forward to the unique blend of personalities that Jenna and Sheinelle will bring to their viewers.
