Sheinelle Jones Named Permanent Co-Host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle
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NBC News announced today that Sheinelle Jones will officially join Jenna Bush Hager as permanent co-host of the fourth hour of TODAY, rebranded as TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, beginning January 12. The move follows a period of guest co-hosts after the departure of Hoda Kotb last year.
A New Chapter for the Fourth Hour
“This marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour,” a statement from TODAY executive vice president Libby Leist and Jenna & Friends executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones read. “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.”
The announcement concludes a search for a permanent co-host that involved a series of high-profile guests appearing alongside Bush Hager, including Michelle Obama, Tyra Banks, Andy Cohen, and Scarlett Johansson. Jones herself was among those who filled the role on a temporary basis.
Kotb’s Departure and Jones’s Rise
The shift comes nearly a year after Hoda Kotb stepped down from the fourth hour after almost two decades with NBC News’ TODAY. Despite leaving the daily co-hosting role, Kotb has remained with the network, currently hosting the TODAY podcast “Making Space” and co-anchoring the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Jones’s appointment represents a natural progression within the network. She has been a part of NBC News for over a decade, establishing herself through impactful interviews, engaging lifestyle segments, and viral Halloween performances where she famously transformed into icons like Beyoncé and Tina Turner.
A Personal Journey
Jones’s return to work last September was particularly poignant, coming after the passing of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who succumbed to brain cancer in May. She is survived by her oldest son, Kayin, and twins, son Uche, and daughter Clara.
The selection of Jones signals NBC’s commitment to continuity and a familiar face for viewers, promising a dynamic and relatable partnership with Bush Hager as TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle launches in the new year.
