On December 9, Jenna Bush Hager announced that 47‑year‑old Sheinelle Jones would become the permanent co‑host of TODAY’s fourth hour, a move that follows Hoda Kotb’s departure. The announcement came as part of a rebrand that renamed the segment to TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle.
Sheinelle Steps Into a New Role
Sheinelle will leave her position on the third hour of TODAY to co‑host the new show in the new year. “To have a show like this is beyond my wildest dreams,” Sheinelle told the audience. “This is the real deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.” Jenna welcomed her with an emotional hug and said, “I’m so happy you’re here. I knew I was going to cry before you walked out, I tried not to.”
Executive Praise
TODAY executive vice president Libby Leist and Jenna & Friends executive producer Talia Parkinson‑Jones celebrated the partnership. In a statement to staff, they wrote: “This marks an exciting new chapter for the fourth hour. 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.” They added that Sheinelle has been a cherished member of NBC News for more than 11 years, noting her “iconic Halloween performances as Beyoncé and Tina Turner.”
A Guest Stint That Felt Like a Date
In September, Sheinelle guest‑co‑hosted TODAY with Jenna & Friends. She compared the experience to a date, saying, “Hopefully this will be a date where you walk away and go, ‘OK, hopefully she calls me tomorrow!’” Jenna promised, “You’re coming back.” The appearance occurred during Sheinelle’s third week back at TODAY after her husband, Uche Ojeh, 45, died of brain cancer in May. She opened up to Jenna on September 22, describing the first week as “my new normal.”
Support From the Secret Society
Jenna surprised Sheinelle with a visit from “The Secret Society of Sheinelle,” a group of six close friends—Karleen, Torrie, Stephanie, Meki, Mia, and Jolen—along with many others. Sheinelle said, “I am in shock. Aren’t my friends beautiful? They say it takes a village, and these ladies—Karleen, Torrie, Stephanie, Meki, Mia and Jolen, along with so many others—these girls are my sisters, and they’re my village. These are the girls who put me back together.”
A Fourth‑Hour Tour of Co‑Hosts
Sheinelle joined a roster of 60 co‑hosts and guests who have appeared on the fourth hour since its debut on January 13. Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson hosted the inaugural episode and returned on January 17. In a staff statement, Leist and Parkinson‑Jones applauded Jenna Bush Hager and the entire Jenna & Friends team for keeping the show “vibrant and engaging” with 60 different co‑hosts.
Other Notable Guests
The fourth hour has featured a wide range of personalities, including former first lady Michelle Obama, musicians Ciara, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Kelsea Ballerini and Cardi B, actors Scarlett Johansson, Regina Hall, Rosie Perez, Leslie Bibb, Halle Berry and Henry Winkler, Saturday Night Live alumni Amy Poehler, Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Ana Gasteyer, Ego Nwodim and Cheri Oteri, and comedians Tiffany Haddish, Chelsea Handler, Wanda Sykes, Leanne Morgan and Nikki Glaser. Jenna’s husband, Henry Hager, has also appeared on multiple episodes.
The Story’s Origin
This announcement first appeared on TODAY.com.
Key Takeaways
- Jenna Bush Hager has named Sheinelle Jones the permanent co‑host of TODAY’s fourth hour.
- Sheinelle will leave the third hour to begin the new show in 2025.
- The move follows a guest stint in September that felt like a “date” and a period of personal loss for Sheinelle.
The partnership marks a fresh chapter for TODAY’s fourth hour, blending Sheinelle’s seasoned journalism with Jenna’s long‑standing rapport with viewers.
