Jenna Bush Hager is set to welcome a new co-anchor to the “Today” show’s fourth hour after nearly a year of solo hosting. On December 9, Sheinelle Jones was officially announced as Bush Hager’s new co-host, stepping into a role that has shifted significantly since Hoda Kotb’s departure from the program earlier in January. The newly titled “Today with Jenna and Sheinelle” is scheduled to make its debut on January 12.
Bush Hager expressed her joy during the announcement, saying, “Today, I am so thrilled to announce I have found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey in January.” She described Jones as an “extraordinary broadcaster” who perfectly embodies the spirit of the show.
Prior to this appointment, Jones, 47, co-hosted the “3rd Hour of Today” with a team that included well-known personalities like Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. Her transition alongside Bush Hager marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both women.
In a heartfelt moment during her announcement, Bush Hager acknowledged the emotional journey they both have faced. In a pre-recorded video, she humorously referred to her time before Jones’s arrival as having “60 first dates,” alluding to her series of temporary co-hosts, before finally finding her “beautiful soul” in Jones.
Jones also shared her personal struggles over the past year, having taken a hiatus to care for her husband, Uche Ojeh, who passed away from brain cancer in May. Reflecting on her difficult year, she noted, “A year ago at this time was tough for me… When I came back from leave, I talked about fighting for my joy. This is what it looks like. It feels divine.” She emphasized that Bush Hager is “not just my friend, but my sister.”
Following her extended break from the show, Jones has expressed gratitude for the support she received from both her colleagues and viewers alike, making her return to the show feel all the more special.
Since Kotb’s exit, Bush Hager had hosted the segment under the temporary title “Jenna & Friends,” featuring an array of guest celebrities as co-hosts, including notable figures like Dwyane Wade, Ciara, and Olivia Munn. This variety allowed for a dynamic experience on the show, but the announcement of Jones’s permanent position is expected to bring a new sense of stability and familiarity.
The upcoming change comes in light of the emotional farewells and transitions within the “Today” show, especially following Kotb’s departure, which she described as an expected yet bittersweet decision. Reflecting on her journey, she stated that her exit did not feel like a loss but rather a natural evolution of her life and career.
As the “Today” show prepares for this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate the chemistry and camaraderie that Bush Hager and Jones will undoubtedly bring to the fourth hour, marking an exciting new beginning for the beloved morning show.
