Summary (tl;dr)

Sheinelle Jones has been named the new permanent co-host for the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" show, joining Jenna Bush Hager, following a challenging year marked by the death of Jones's husband, Uche Ojeh.

Essential Background

For nearly a year, the "Today" show's fourth hour, previously co-hosted by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, has operated as "Today with Jenna & Friends" after Kotb's departure in January 2025. During this period, various guest hosts joined Jenna Bush Hager. Concurrently, Sheinelle Jones, a long-time "Today" personality, navigated a deeply personal challenge as her husband, Uche Ojeh, battled an aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma, which led to his passing in May 2025. Jones took a leave of absence from the show in late 2024 to care for him and returned in September 2025, openly sharing her grief and journey to "fight for joy."

The Full Story

On December 9, 2025, Jenna Bush Hager announced live on the "Today" show that Sheinelle Jones will officially become her permanent co-host for the 10 o'clock hour, starting January 12, 2026. The program will be rebranded as "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle." This announcement concludes a nearly year-long search for a permanent co-host. Jones, who has been with NBC News since 2014 and a co-host of the 3rd Hour of "Today" since 2019, expressed deep emotion regarding this new chapter, particularly after the recent loss of her husband. She is set to be the first Black co-host of the "Today" show's fourth hour.

Why It Matters

This appointment provides stability to a key segment of the "Today" show, ending the "Jenna & Friends" rotating host format that followed Hoda Kotb's departure. For Sheinelle Jones, this new permanent role signifies a significant professional achievement and a poignant new beginning after a year marked by profound personal loss and public grief. Her journey of resilience and openness about her husband's death has resonated deeply with viewers, making her new position a moment of both professional recognition and emotional triumph. The established friendship and professional chemistry between Jones and Bush Hager are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to morning television.

Geographic Location

• Studio 1A, Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York, United States (announcement of Sheinelle Jones as permanent co-host for "Today" show's fourth hour)