Jenna Bush Hager Finally Announces Permanent Today Show Co-Host
After nearly a year of rotating guest hosts and ongoing speculation from Today viewers, Jenna Bush Hager has officially announced her new permanent co-host for the show’s fourth hour. The reveal, made during an emotional on-air moment, ended months of curiosity surrounding who would join Jenna in a full-time capacity following Hoda Kotb’s departure from the hour in early 2025. Jenna confirmed that longtime NBC News anchor and colleague Sheinelle Jones will step into the role, marking a new era for the popular 10 a.m. segment.
The announcement arrived after a highly unusual year for the fourth hour. Since Kotb’s exit, Jenna had been hosting the program under the temporary banner “TODAY with Jenna & Friends,” inviting an extensive list of guests to fill the second chair. Over 60 guest hosts appeared throughout 2025, ranging from journalists and authors to celebrities and lifestyle personalities. While viewers found the mix fresh and entertaining, many expressed a desire for a consistent voice to help shape the hour’s identity. Jenna herself acknowledged the unpredictable period, describing it as both “joyful” and “transitional,” but hinted she always knew a permanent partner would eventually emerge.
When the moment finally came, Jenna praised Sheinelle warmly, calling her “a forever friend” and “an extraordinary broadcaster” whose energy perfectly complements the spirit of the show. The two have worked together across various Today segments over the past decade, forming a natural on-screen chemistry that viewers had long noticed. Their shared warmth, conversational ease, and ability to blend seriousness with lighthearted banter made Sheinelle a favorite among fans speculating about the permanent role.
For Sheinelle Jones, the promotion is significant. Having joined NBC News in 2014, she became a familiar and trusted presence as co-anchor of the third hour of Today while also contributing to special reports and feature segments. Her move to join Jenna in the fourth hour means she will step away from her previous position to fully embrace the new partnership. The shift comes after a personally difficult year for Sheinelle, who experienced the loss of her husband in 2025. Viewers, colleagues, and friends have admired her resilience and professionalism, and many praised NBC’s decision to elevate someone widely considered both talented and beloved.
The new hour will be rebranded as “TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle.” NBC announced that the refreshed program will officially debut in January 2026, promising a reinvigorated format while maintaining the warm, conversational tone that has long defined the segment. Executives hinted at new recurring lifestyle features, expanded interviews, and a focus on stories about connection, family, and inspiration—areas where both hosts shine.
For the Today franchise, the announcement represents a return to stability after a year of experimentation. For viewers, it marks the beginning of what many hope will become one of the show’s standout partnerships. And for Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, it signals the start of a new, promising chapter—one defined by friendship, shared vision, and the chance to build something lasting together.
