Sheinelle Jones joins Jenna Bush Hager as new TODAY co-host

Sheinelle Jones has been named the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of the TODAY Show, joining Jenna Bush Hager on the newly titled TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Her first appearance as official co-host will air on 12 January.

The announcement was made on 9 December after nearly a year of rotating guest hosts. Jones, 47, steps into the role as the first permanent co-host since Hoda Kotb left the programme. She will leave the 3rd Hour of TODAY to take up the new position, while Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer continue hosting the 9 a.m. hour.

Jenna welcomed Jones with an emotional on-air moment, calling her an “extraordinary broadcaster” who represents everything the show stands for. Jones said the opportunity was “beyond my wildest dreams” and thanked Jenna for the partnership, adding that they already feel like sisters on and off camera.

A new chapter after a difficult year

Jones’ promotion comes months after the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who died from brain cancer in May. She returned to TODAY in September and spoke openly about navigating her new normal as a widow and mother of three. Her children were the first to hear the news of her appointment, and she said the promotion brought much-needed joy to their home.

TODAY executives Libby Leist and Talia Parkinson-Jones praised both hosts in a statement, calling this “an exciting new chapter” for the fourth hour and noting the strong connection Jones and Jenna share with viewers.

Jones was one of 60 rotating guests on Jenna & Friends, which launched in January. The hour has featured stars such as Michelle Obama, Taraji P. Henson, John Legend and Scarlett Johansson.