After months of buzz, rotating acquainted faces, and loads of “Who will sit subsequent to Jenna right this moment?” moments, the search is formally over. Jenna Bush Hager has discovered her everlasting partner-in-crime for the fourth hour of TODAY — Sheinelle Jones!
Jenna shared the information on December 9, revealing that Sheinelle will step in as her new co-host on the newly rebranded TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, starting January 12. The transfer marks the primary time the hour has had a full-time co-host since Hoda Kotb left the slot, and it appears like a real full-circle TV second.
Sheinelle, 47, will transition out of the third Hour of TODAY as she settles into her new function. In the meantime, Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer will proceed holding down the 9 a.m. hour.
“You all know her, she’s a rare broadcaster, however extra importantly, she exemplifies precisely what this present is all about,” Jenna mentioned as she launched her new seatmate in a December 9 episode.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Sheinelle Jones attends the “Largely What God Does” guide presentation on February 21, 2024 in New York Metropolis. (Photograph by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Photographs)
Sheinelle, equally emotional and visibly honored, instructed viewers, “To have a present like that is past my wildest goals. That is the true deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.”
The 2 embraced as Jenna admitted she was already combating tears: “I knew I used to be going to cry earlier than you walked out, I attempted to not.”
This second is very significant, coming simply weeks after Sheinelle returned to work following the devastating lack of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who died of mind most cancers at 45. Opening up in September, she shared with Jenna, “ “My coach was gone, proper? My life associate. The times after my first week have been powerful. As a result of it’s my new regular.”
Sheinelle’s new function comes after a 12 months of TODAY with Jenna & Mates, which featured a whopping 60 visitor co-hosts — everybody from Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Obama to Cardi B, John Legend, Scarlett Johansson and practically your entire SNL universe. Even Jenna’s husband Henry popped in additional than as soon as.
Sheinelle additionally took a flip as visitor co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Mates in September, when the duo reminded viewers that they’ve loads of expertise co-hosting collectively.
Sheinelle additionally in contrast her visitor co-hosting stint to a date.
“Hopefully this will probably be a date the place you stroll away and go, ‘OK, hopefully she calls me tomorrow!’” Sheinelle mentioned to Jenna.
“You’re coming again,” Jenna promised. And that she is!
“This marks an thrilling new chapter for the fourth hour,” TODAY executives Libby Leist and Talia Parkinson-Jones mentioned in a press release to workers. “Jenna and Sheinelle are two extraordinary abilities who’ve grown throughout the ranks of TODAY. They’re beloved for his or her authenticity, heat and real reference to our TODAY viewers.”
