The suspense has been palpable, the rumors have been swirling, and the guest chair has seen a dizzying array of famous faces, but the wait is finally over. In a broadcast that required more than a few tissues, Jenna Bush Hager officially ended the “Jenna & Friends” era this Tuesday, announcing the permanent replacement for Hoda Kotb on the fourth hour of the Today show. The choice is familiar, beloved, and undeniably perfect: Sheinelle Jones.

The announcement, made on December 9, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic NBC morning franchise, nearly one year after Hoda Kotb bid her emotional farewell in January 2025. While the news itself is a major headline, it was the raw, unscripted emotion of the reveal that truly captivated viewers, turning a standard corporate announcement into a poignant celebration of friendship, resilience, and the healing power of sisterhood.

A “Forever Friend” Revealed

For months, loyal viewers have watched Jenna Bush Hager navigate the fourth hour with a rotating cast of celebrity co-hosts—from Scarlett Johansson to Andy Cohen. While entertaining, the show missed the grounded, steady chemistry of a permanent partnership. That changed Tuesday morning when Jenna, visibly moved, addressed the camera.

“Over the last year, you guys, I have had the privilege of co-hosting this show with 60 incredible friends,” Jenna began, her voice already trembling. “But today, I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ve found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey.”

As Sheinelle Jones walked onto the set, the studio erupted in applause, but the two women simply embraced, wiping away tears. It wasn’t just a job promotion; it felt like a homecoming. Jenna described Sheinelle not just as a colleague she has known for a decade, but as an “extraordinary broadcaster” who “exemplifies exactly what this show is all about.”

The show, which will officially be rebranded as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle starting January 12, 2026, promises to return to the intimate, conversational format that made the Kathie Lee and Hoda years—and subsequently the Hoda and Jenna years—so successful.

Triumph Over Tragedy: Sheinelle’s Journey

To understand why this moment resonated so deeply with the audience, one must look at the heartbreaking year Sheinelle Jones has endured. Known for her infectious energy and “energizer bunny” spirit on the 3rd Hour of Today, Sheinelle’s life was upended in May 2025 when her husband of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, passed away after a battle with brain cancer.

Returning to the airwaves in September, Sheinelle was open about her grief, famously telling viewers she was “fighting for her joy.” Tuesday’s announcement felt like the culmination of that fight—a beam of light after a season of darkness.

“I don’t know whether to laugh or cry or scream!” Sheinelle exclaimed as she took her seat. She admitted that the promotion was “beyond her wildest dreams,” a sentiment made even more powerful by the context of her personal loss. She reflected on how, in the depths of her grief, she couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but this opportunity felt like a “divine” calling to bring joy to others.

“If you see me here, that means you can do it too,” she told the audience, directly addressing those suffering from their own losses. “We’re all gonna fight for our joy.” It was a statement of purpose that elevated the show instantly from morning chatter to a platform for genuine human connection.

The Hoda Kotb Seal of Approval

Of course, the shadow of Hoda Kotb looms large over the fourth hour. Hoda was not just a host; she was the heart of the show for nearly two decades. Fans were desperate to know: What does Hoda think?

The answer came swiftly and sweetly. In a story that had fans tearing up all over again, Sheinelle revealed that her phone had been blowing up the night before the announcement. Amidst the chaos of her daughter’s dance recital, she answered a call from Hoda.

Hoda’s advice was brief but profound. She told Sheinelle to “freeze this moment,” predicting that years from now, Sheinelle would look back on this as the decision that changed her career and her life for the better. “Working with Jenna, it’s gonna be better than you can ever imagine,” Hoda promised her successor.

Hoda later took to Instagram to publicly bless the union, writing, “I am weeping—just watched Jenna and Sheinelle show us what a match made in heaven looks like.” This public “passing of the torch” was crucial. It wasn’t just corporate PR; it was a matriarch welcoming a new member to the family, assuring the loyal fanbase that the show was in safe, capable hands.

Why This Duo Works

NBC executives didn’t rush this decision, and it shows. The chemistry between Jenna and Sheinelle is built on a decade of shared hallways, makeup rooms, and life events. Unlike the “blind date” energy of some co-host pairings, these two already have a shorthand.

Jenna, often the unfiltered wild card, pairs beautifully with Sheinelle’s sharp journalistic instincts and warm, relatable demeanor. They are both working moms navigating the chaos of raising children in the public eye. They are both storytellers who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable.

The “fourth hour” of the Today show has always occupied a unique space in American television. It’s not hard news, and it’s not purely a talk show. It’s a “happy hour” of sorts—a place for wine (or sparkling water), laughter, and unscripted conversation. It requires hosts who can pivot from a cooking segment to a tearful discussion about parenting in seconds. Sheinelle Jones has proven time and again—especially during her tenure on the 3rd Hour and Weekend Today—that she possesses that rare versatility.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The official transition will happen in mid-January, giving the duo time to prepare for the launch of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. While Sheinelle will be leaving her post on the 3rd Hour to focus on this new role, the rest of the Today family, including Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Craig Melvin, will remain in their respective slots.

For the audience, this announcement brings a sense of relief and excitement. The “Jenna & Friends” experiment was fun, but viewers crave consistency. They want to wake up to friends they know—people who share their coffee and their lives.

As the confetti settles, one thing is clear: The Today show didn’t just hire a replacement; they honored a legacy. By choosing Sheinelle Jones, a woman who has walked through fire and come out smiling, they have ensured that the fourth hour remains a beacon of hope, humor, and authentic connection. Come January, the glasses will clink, the theme music will play, and a new era of morning television will officially begin. And if Tuesday’s emotional preview was any indication, we’re going to need a bigger box of tissues.