Sheinelle Jones Named Permanent Co-Host of TODAY Show’s 10 AM Hour Amidst Personal Tragedy
A beacon of resilience and hope, Sheinelle Jones is stepping into a new role at the TODAY Show, becoming the permanent co-host of the 10 o’clock hour. The announcement, made on Tuesday, arrives as a significant bright spot in a challenging 2025 for the beloved television personality.
Earlier this year, Jones announced a temporary leave from her duties to address a “family health matter.” The heartbreaking truth was revealed in May 2025, when her colleagues shared the news of the passing of her husband, Uche Ojeh, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Jones and Ojeh had been married since 2007 and shared three children.
Her return to the show was marked by a deeply moving interview, where Jones openly discussed her ongoing journey of “fighting for her joy” in the wake of such profound loss. Now, as she prepares to co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager in the newly revamped “Jenna and Sheinelle,” set to launch in January, Jones views the opportunity as something more than just a career move.
The 10 o’clock hour co-hosting position was previously held by Hoda Kotb, who worked with Bush Hager for five years. Following Kotb’s departure earlier in 2025, the role was filled by a rotating cast of personalities, but after an extensive search, Jones emerged as the ideal fit.
“I feel like it’s divine, but I actually feel a responsibility in it where we can bring joy, we can bring hope, we can bring comfort,” Jones stated, describing her feelings about the new role. “So just as healing as it is for me and fun, I hope we can bring that for people at home.”
Jones extended a powerful message of encouragement to viewers grappling with their own hardships. “For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding. I just want you to know, if you see me here, that means you can do it too,” she continued. “And we’re all gonna fight for our joy. If you see me laughing and when you see me having a good time with my sister-friend here. That means you can get up and conquer your day too.”
The news was met with an outpouring of support online. One user on X/Twitter wrote, “Very happy for them, but especially Sheinelle Jones and her chance to shine and start a new journey so soon after such a tremendous loss. Congratulations to her and we look forward to supporting her new journey.” Another simply stated, “Absolutely beautiful!!!!!! Much needed JOY.” A third user added, “Loved their interaction from jump, Sheinelle is the perfect choice, congrats.”
Jones’s appointment signifies not only a new chapter for the TODAY Show but also a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring human spirit.
