Sheinelle Jones is reportedly being positioned as the permanent replacement for Hoda Kotb on the fourth hour of the Today show, joining Jenna Bush Hager as her full-time co-host. According to an exclusive insider source, NBC executives have already made the decision behind the scenes, viewing Sheinelle as the ideal fit thanks to her on-air charisma, experience, and strong chemistry with Jenna. However, the official transition is being held off until Hoda fully concludes her current family leave.
While Hoda, 60, has not publicly confirmed a return date, the network is said to be moving forward with long-term plans to keep the show running smoothly in her absence. Sheinelle, a familiar face on Today’s earlier hours, has already appeared multiple times beside Jenna, and fans have responded positively to their lighthearted banter and seamless rapport.
The move would mark a significant shift for the fourth hour of Today, one of NBC’s most personality-driven time slots. Though the network has yet to release a formal statement, speculation continues to swirl online, with many viewers already welcoming the change. As preparations continue behind the scenes, it seems only a matter of time before Sheinelle steps fully into the spotlight as the new permanent co-host.
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Sheinelle Jones is set to be announced as the replacement for Hoda Kotb alongside Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour of Today ShowCredit: Getty
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Jenna has been hosting with a slew of celebrity guests in the fourth hour, but Today is expected to announce Sheinelle as Hoda’s replacementCredit: Getty
Sheinelle, 46, “has the job,” the insider claimed, but added there will not be an announcement until after her leave of absence has ended.
She has been away from Today since December, and has been silent on social media as well.
Sheinelle only returned to Instagram briefly on January 15 to issue a statement about her coping with a “family health matter.”
The morning show’s staff “has been extremely supportive” of the beloved journalist as she handles her family matter, the insider insisted.
The source added that while Sheinelle got the job, Today’s lifestyle contributor, Jill Martin, also lobbied hard for the spot.
Meanwhile, network execs learned an important lesson by promoting anchor Craig Melvin to Hoda’s more news-driven co-anchor spot alongside Savannah Guthrie, which seemed to help inform their decision regarding Sheinelle.
“Ratings with Craig are good. This taught executives that the audience wants people they know and that they should promote from within,” the source said.
Sheinelle was perfect for the position because she’s a seasoned professional, whereas Jenna is a less experienced anchor.
“They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro,” the source said.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Today for comment.
Today fans demand show hire ‘hilarious’ A-list guest host as Hoda Kotb’s official replacement opposite Jenna Bush Hager
The fourth hour of Today is currently called Jenna & Friends, and has a new celebrity guest host every week or every few days.
Jenna has co-hosted her fourth hour alongside stars like Scarlett Johansson, Amy Poehler, and Ciara after Hoda’s departure in January.
Fans have been questioning when NBC is finally going to name an official co-host, with one viewer demanding Jenna “needs a seasoned partner.”
SHEINELLE’S ABSENCE
As The U.S. Sun previously reported, fans questioned where Sheinelle had gone as she was conspicuously absent for Hoda’s goodbye show on January 10.
The host also didn’t send a video of herself bidding farewell to Hoda.
During the January 15 show, Today hosts explained more about their colleague’s absence.
“We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too,” Savannah said on air.
Meanwhile, Craig added, “We all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back. See you soon.”
Fans expressed their gratitude for the update, and sent their thoughts and prayers under Sheinelle’s Instagram post.
“We look forward to seeing you soon,” one fan wrote.
Another follower chimed in: “We miss you and your beautiful smile.”
The Today Show’s official Instagram account also commented, sharing, “We love you, Sheinelle.”
TODAY Show hosts
NBC’s Today show premiered in 1952 and has bidden viewers good morning every weekday since, adding Saturday and Sunday shows in the 1980s and 1990s. The show’s current host lineup includes:
Al Roker
Savannah Guthrie
Craig Melvin
Jenna Bush Hager
Carson Daly
Sheinelle Jones
Dylan Dreyer
Peter Alexander
Kristen Welker
Willie Geist
FUTURE OF TODAY
The anchor, who has been a part of the Today family for more than 10 years, has amassed a huge fan base for her presence on the show.
Before landing at Today, the mom of three rose through the ranks of local news stations.
Sheinelle is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of senior US district judge Cardozie Darnell Jones II.
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NBC execs have learned that the audience likes seeing people promoted from within, making Sheinelle a natural choiceCredit: Getty
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Sheinelle is set to host the fourth hour of Today (alongside Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager)Credit: Getty
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Sheinelle has been out on leave dealing with a family medical crisis since mid-December, and the announcement is expected upon her returnCredit: Getty
