It’s been almost a year since Hoda Kotb’s departure from TODAY, and the show has now chosen a permanent co-host for Jenna Bush Hager during the fourth hour. After a year of guest co-hosts on Jenna & Friends – including stars like Scarlett Johansson and TODAY anchors – Sheinelle Jones has been selected for the role. Hoda Kotb has responded to the news with a heartwarming reaction.
When Kotb left, there were two big seats to fill. One was during the first hour, and Craig Melvin immediately replaced her there, following her departure in January. The other was during the fourth hour. However, they didn’t find her replacement immediately. Now, though, Jones will take over the chair for the final segment of TODAY full-time. And she’s both perfect and Kotb-approved, as the former anchor wrote the following about Sheinelle Jones on Instagram:
I’m incredibly emotional after watching Jenna Bush Hager and Shenielle Jones share such a beautiful moment – they’re a perfect match! I’m so proud of both of them. #proudmom
It’s just so wonderful to see! I was really touched by what Hoda Kotb said when she stepped down – she emphasized how important it was for her replacement to have a genuine connection with Jenna Bush Hager. And I truly believe Hoda found that in Hoda Jones! You can really feel it even in the announcement video, and I’m so excited to watch Hoda and Jenna build something special together on the show.
Jones has been with TODAY for many years. She began as a contributor to Weekend TODAY in 2014, and later became a co-host of the show’s third hour in 2019. She’s well-equipped with the experience, talent, and personality to work well alongside Bush Hager, and Savannah Kotb clearly agrees.
It’s clear from her recent post, but to really illustrate what happened, listen to the story Jones shared on the show about a phone call she got from the previous person in her role when she learned the news.
My daughter Clara was in a dance recital, and my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. It was Hoda calling, and I kept trying to explain I couldn’t talk because the show was happening. Eventually, I stepped out to the lobby and she told me to just listen. In the next 45 seconds, she gave me some incredibly insightful advice that really shifted my perspective. She predicted I’d be giving graduation speeches someday and said I’d look back on this moment as a turning point – the best decision I ever made for my family and my career. She also assured me that working with Jenna would be even more amazing than I could possibly imagine.
It’s so lovely to hear that! I was really touched that Kotb immediately called Jones to offer her congratulations and some helpful advice. It seems like the new co-host is really grateful for the support, even though it happened while she was at her daughter’s dance recital.
Get ready for more of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle! They’re officially teaming up as full-time hosts starting January 12th at 10 a.m. Eastern on NBC. Tune in when the new TV season begins to see this exciting new chapter of TODAY unfold.
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2025-12-09 22:15