After nearly a year of solo hosting, Jenna Bush Hager is set to welcome Sheinelle Jones as her new co-anchor on the fourth hour of the “Today” show. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 9, and the newly titled “Today with Jenna and Sheinelle” will premiere on January 12, 2026. This change comes following Hoda Kotb’s departure from the “Today” show earlier this year.
During the announcement, an emotional Bush Hager expressed her excitement, saying, “Today, I am so thrilled to announce I have found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey in January. I couldn’t be more excited to share this person with you all.” She praised Jones as an “extraordinary broadcaster” who embodies the essence of their show.
Jones, who is 47, previously co-hosted the “3rd Hour of Today” with Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer. She took time off following the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, from brain cancer in May, stepping back in December 2024 before returning to the show in September. In a heartfelt statement, Jones reflected on her challenging year, noting the joy her new position has brought to her and her family: “When I came back from leave, I talked about fighting for my joy. This is what it looks like. It feels divine.”
The new duo’s chemistry is evidently strong, with Jones referring to Bush Hager as “not my friend, but my sister.” Their partnership is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to the popular morning slot. Prior to Jones’ hiring, Bush Hager engaged a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts, including stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Eva Longoria, while adapting to the recent changes in the show’s lineup.
Hoda Kotb, who had a heartfelt send-off from the program in January, revealed that her decision to leave was not one of loss but rather a choice for personal fulfillment. She continued to maintain a connection with the network through her podcast, “Making Space.”
This transition in the “Today” show lineup highlights a new chapter for both Bush Hager and Jones, showcasing their resilience and commitment to bringing joy to their audience amid personal challenges and changes in the show’s format.