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Jenna and Sheinelle have officially joined forces at NBC, marking a significant change for morning television. On December 9, 2025, it was confirmed that Sheinelle Jones will become the permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager — launching the newly titled show Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. This decision ends months of speculation and signals a fresh chapter for the fourth hour of Today.
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Why the Change: From Rotating Guests to a Permanent Pair
- After longtime anchor Hoda Kotb left the show, the fourth hour — formerly “Hoda & Jenna” — was rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends. That segment featured a rotating cast of guest co-hosts throughout 2025.
- Over the last year, Jenna Bush Hager worked with dozens of different guest co-hosts. The shifting lineup created an inconsistent feel.
- The network chose Sheinelle Jones as permanent co-host to bring stability. With her background and experience, she offers a steady, familiar presence viewers can rely on.
The Path to “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle”
Here’s how events unfolded:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2025 | Hoda Kotb officially leaves the fourth hour of Today. |
| January–December 2025 | The fourth hour becomes Today with Jenna & Friends, using rotating guest co-hosts. |
| September 2025 | Sheinelle Jones returns to Today after a personal leave of absence. She co-hosts a week with Jenna. |
| December 9, 2025 | NBC announces Sheinelle Jones as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host. The fourth hour will be renamed Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. |
The official launch date for the new co-hosting team is set for January 12, 2026.
Sheinelle Jones: Her Journey to the Anchor Desk
- Sheinelle started with the Today family in 2014 as a co-host on Weekend Today.
- By 2019, she had moved up to co-host the show’s third hour.
- Late in 2024, she took a break from her career to care for her husband. He passed away in May 2025 after battling brain cancer.
- She returned in September 2025. The grief and comeback journey she shared resonated deeply with viewers.
- December’s announcement of her permanent new role — alongside Jenna — marks a meaningful milestone in her career. She described the opportunity as “beyond my wildest dreams.”
What This Means for the Show — and Its Viewers
- Stability and chemistry: Viewers will now have a consistent hosting team and can expect a predictable, comfortable vibe. The long-term pairing helps reestablish identity after a period of guest-host turnover.
- Authentic emotion and connection: The personal history and resilience both hosts bring — especially Sheinelle’s story — could bring deeper, heartfelt moments to the show.
- Clearer branding: The rebranded Today with Jenna & Sheinelle gives the fourth hour a distinct identity. It signals that this is a standalone show with its own tone and rhythm, blending news, lifestyle segments, human-interest stories, and genuine conversation.
What to Expect Come January 2026
- The first official episode under the new name will air on January 12, 2026.
- Sheinelle will step away from the third hour of Today to focus on the new show, while the third hour continues with its current hosts.
- Expect the familiar mixture of interviews, lifestyle segments, soft news, and personable hosting that has long characterized the fourth hour — now with renewed focus and cohesion.
The transition to Today with Jenna & Sheinelle feels like more than just a schedule shuffle. It represents a thoughtful relaunch rooted in friendship, empathy, and a new sense of purpose. For longtime fans — and new viewers alike — this could be a fresh, meaningful chapter.
What do you think of this new duo? Share your thoughts below — and tune in in January to see how Jenna and Sheinelle shine together.