Sheinelle Jones has been named the permanent co-host of the 10 a.m. hour of NBC’s Today, joining Jenna Bush Hager.
Today with Jenna and Sheinelle will launch on Jan. 12.
Jones was introduced as Hager’s co-host in an extended segment on the show on Tuesday. Hager noted that she and Jones “have this long, beautiful history together,” noting that they both filled in for Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford when they were the co-hosts of the fourth Today hour.
Hager has been the sole permanent host of the fourth hour of Today since the departure of Kotb early this year. The show has been titled Today with Jenna & Friends, with guests co-hosts featured.
Jones returned to Today in September, after an extended absence as her husband, Uche Ojeh, battled an aggressive form of brain cancer. He died in May.
Jones has been with the network since 2014. She became co-host of the third hour of the show in 2019.
“God knows I have had a roller coaster of a year,” Jones said. “I’ve been through a lot, so there’s several things. One, I’m surrounded by people who were with me in the fight. It was really hard and you just don’t see light at the end of the tunnel. You’re just like, in it.” She said that one day, Hager sent her a song, Brighter Days.
“Not only is she a bright light, but she deserves all the beautiful things that lay ahead of her,” Hager said.
