In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of morning television, NBC has officially announced that Sheinelle Jones will join Jenna Bush Hager as the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of the Today show, now rebranded as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. The announcement, made on July 6, 2025, marks the end of months of speculation and rotating guest co-hosts following Hoda Kotb’s departure from the show in January 2025. NBC’s CEO, in a bold statement, declared, “Sheinelle is perfect for the role,” citing her professionalism, warmth, and undeniable chemistry with Hager as key factors in the decision. This article explores the journey leading to this monumental decision, Sheinelle’s return after a deeply personal hiatus, and what this means for the future of Today.

A New Chapter for Today

The Today show, a staple of American morning television since its premiere in 1952, has long been known for its ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal: delivering news, entertainment, and heartfelt moments to millions of viewers. The fourth hour, in particular, has been a space for lighter, more conversational content, with Hager at the helm since 2019. After Kotb’s exit to pursue her wellness venture, Joy 101, the show temporarily adopted the format Today with Jenna & Friends, featuring a rotating cast of guest co-hosts including Brooke Shields, Savannah Guthrie, Andy Cohen, and Michelle Buteau. While these guest appearances kept the show vibrant, fans and insiders alike clamored for a permanent replacement to restore the consistency that Kotb and Hager had perfected.

Reports from as early as May 2025 suggested that Sheinelle Jones, a veteran of the Today show’s third hour, was a frontrunner to replace Kotb. An insider told The U.S. Sun that Jones had been selected as the permanent co-host, with the transition delayed due to her personal circumstances. The insider emphasized, “They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro.” This sentiment was echoed by Hoda Kotb herself, who, during a June 2025 appearance on Today, praised Jones as a potential replacement, noting, “She would be good.”

Sheinelle Jones: A Resilient Return

Sheinelle Jones’ journey back to the Today show is nothing short of inspiring. The 47-year-old journalist, who joined Today in 2014, has been a beloved figure for her relatable charm, sharp interviewing skills, and infectious energy. However, her absence from the show since December 2024 left fans concerned. On May 23, 2025, her Today co-hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, and Jenna Bush Hager, announced the heartbreaking news that Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, had passed away at 45 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The emotional announcement, delivered live on air, showcased the tight-knit bond among the Today family. Guthrie described Jones as “so strong,” while Hager added, “She found the grace in the grief, which is not easy.” Jones, who shares three children—Kayin, 15, and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche—with her late husband, took an extended leave to focus on her family. Her colleagues, including Hager, rallied around her, with many attending Ojeh’s funeral on May 30 in New York City.

Jones’ resilience during this period earned her widespread admiration. In a statement shared on Instagram on May 23, she expressed gratitude for the support she received, writing, “Thank you for all of your life and support.” Her Today co-hosts praised her ability to remain a “courteous caregiver” to her husband while maintaining her humor and grace. This strength, combined with her 15 years of experience at NBC, made her the ideal candidate to step into the co-hosting role.

The NBC CEO’s Endorsement

NBC’s decision to appoint Jones was not made lightly. The network’s CEO, in a press release accompanying the announcement, lauded Jones’ professionalism and on-screen presence. “Sheinelle is perfect for the role,” the CEO stated. “Her ability to connect with audiences, her journalistic expertise, and her natural chemistry with Jenna make her the ideal choice to carry the fourth hour into its next era.” The CEO also highlighted Jones’ versatility, noting her work on the third hour of Today, her contributions to NBC News, and her ability to handle both hard-hitting news and lighthearted segments with ease.

This endorsement aligns with sentiments from fans and industry insiders. Social media buzzed with excitement following the announcement, with viewers praising Jones’ warmth and authenticity. One fan wrote on X, “Sheinelle and Jenna are going to be unstoppable! Their energy is so infectious.” Another commented, “Sheinelle deserves this. She’s been through so much, and she’s still shining.” The decision also reflects NBC’s commitment to promoting internal talent, as Jones has been a fixture of the network for over a decade.

Chemistry with Jenna Bush Hager

One of the key factors in Jones’ selection was her undeniable chemistry with Jenna Bush Hager. Hager, 43, has been a mainstay of the fourth hour since replacing Kathie Lee Gifford in 2019. Known for her warm personality and candid storytelling, Hager has thrived in the role, but the absence of a permanent co-host left a void. The rotating guest co-hosts, while entertaining, lacked the consistency needed to replicate the dynamic Hager shared with Kotb.

Jones and Hager have a longstanding professional relationship, having worked together on various Today segments over the years. Their shared values—family, authenticity, and a passion for storytelling—make them a natural fit. During a June 2025 episode, Hager hinted at Jones’ potential as a co-host, saying, “Sheinelle is our dear friend, and she’s going through a horrible time, but I think she would be good.” Fans who have seen the two interact on air describe their dynamic as “effortless” and “relatable,” with both hosts bringing a mix of humor, empathy, and professionalism to the table.

The announcement also comes at a time when Hager herself is navigating new milestones. In June 2025, she made headlines with a bold bob haircut, unveiled live on Today with the help of celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan. Her Read with Jenna book club, now in its sixth year, continues to grow, with a recent in-person event in Nashville uniting book lovers nationwide. Pairing Hager with Jones signals NBC’s intent to capitalize on their combined star power to keep the fourth hour fresh and engaging.

What’s Next for Today with Jenna & Sheinelle?

The rebranded Today with Jenna & Sheinelle is set to premiere on July 14, 2025, with a week of special episodes celebrating the new partnership. NBC has teased segments on lifestyle, wellness, and pop culture, as well as in-depth interviews with high-profile guests. The network also plans to leverage Jones’ journalistic background to introduce more news-driven content to the fourth hour, balancing the show’s signature lighthearted tone with substantive discussions.

For Jones, this role represents a triumphant return to the spotlight after a challenging year. Her ability to connect with viewers, honed through years of covering everything from breaking news to human-interest stories, will undoubtedly resonate with Today’s diverse audience. Meanwhile, Hager’s knack for storytelling and her growing influence in the literary world will complement Jones’ strengths, creating a dynamic that promises to captivate viewers.

A Bright Future

The announcement of Sheinelle Jones as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host marks a new chapter for the Today show, one filled with hope, resilience, and excitement. Jones’ journey—from her early days at Today to her courageous navigation of personal loss—has endeared her to millions. Paired with Hager’s infectious energy and creative vision, she is poised to redefine the fourth hour and solidify Today’s place as a morning television powerhouse.

As NBC’s CEO aptly stated, “Sheinelle is perfect for the role.” With her professionalism, heart, and undeniable talent, Jones is ready to shine alongside Hager, proving that even in the face of adversity, grace and strength can light the way forward. Fans are already counting down the days until Today with Jenna & Sheinelle hits the airwaves, eager to witness the magic of this dynamic duo.