Sheinelle Jones is set to grab the spotlight. After Hoda Kotb’s tearful Today Show exit in January 2025, NBC’s got a plan—and it’s Sheinelle, 46, sliding into the fourth-hour co-host chair next to Jenna Bush Hager. An insider spilled to The U.S. Sun that Sheinelle “has the job,” but the official word’s on ice until she returns from family leave. She’s been off since December, tackling a “family health matter,” and fans are buzzing: What’s next for this pro when she steps back into Studio 1A?
Hoda, 60, left to focus on her daughters, passing the baton after 17 years. Jenna’s been holding it down with Jenna & Friends, roping in stars like Scarlett Johansson and Ciara. It’s been fun, but viewers crave stability. Sheinelle’s the fix—a seasoned anchor who knows the ropes. “She can throw to break, she gets TV,” the insider dished. Unlike Jenna, newer to the game, Sheinelle’s a veteran. Think crisp transitions, sharp banter—skills honed since joining Today in 2014. She’s not just a face; she’s a craftsman.
NBC’s playing it smart. Craig Melvin’s bump to Hoda’s news slot with Savannah Guthrie paid off—ratings held strong. “Audiences want who they know,” the source said. Promoting from within isn’t just safe; it’s savvy. Sheinelle’s been third-hour gold with Craig, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer—now she’s fourth-hour bound. Jill Martin pushed for the gig too, but Sheinelle’s edge won out. The team’s rallied around her during her leave, a nod to Today’s family vibe. She popped up on Instagram January 15, thanking fans and hinting at her return. No date yet, but the clock’s ticking.
Since Hoda’s goodbye, Jenna & Friends has kept the hour lively—Amy Poehler, Taraji P. Henson—but fans demand a pro. “Jenna needs a seasoned partner,” one wrote online. Sheinelle fits. Her warmth, her wit, her knack for live TV—she’s the glue. Picture her and Jenna: one’s steady, one’s spark. It’s not replacing Hoda; it’s recharging the slot. Sheinelle’s even got Hoda’s blessing—back in January, Hoda called her “family” on Insta.
When Sheinelle strides back, expect a shift. She’s not here to fill shoes—she’s here to kick doors. From Brooklyn waitress roots to Today’s third hour, she’s climbed with grit. Now, with Jenna, she’ll blend polish and play. Next time you tune in, wonder: How will Sheinelle’s pro touch remake this hour? Hoda’s era closed, but Sheinelle’s is about to light up—and Today won’t skip a beat.
