Making connections can be hard for a lot of people, especially as people come and go in your life. Recently, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones took it upon themselves to help someone on the lookout for a new “best friend.” This comes out as they’ve recently shared a special project with viewers.
Today’s Jenna & Sheinelle Recently Teased A New Segment Just In Time For A Certain Holiday
Last year, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones joined forces as the co-hosts of Today‘s fourth hour, following in the footsteps of Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. Jenna had joined the show in 2019, with her current co-host joining in 2025.
The fourth hour is known for focusing on entertainment and cultural news, with the co-hosts often sharing their own personal stories on the air. However, the two recently opened up about a special project.
Jenna and Sheinelle announced a new segment, “Date My Dad,” which they noted is coming out just in time for Father’s Day. They also joked that they weren’t looking for dates for their own fathers.
Currently, Jenna and Sheinelle are playing Cupid for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who might take an interest in one eligible bachelor in particular. This is Stephen Halasnik, a 61-year-old father of two from New Jersey, living just outside of New York City.
Halasnik’s son, Michael, nominated him for the “Date My Dad” segment. He shared that it was “high time that he found a new partner for himself to share his world and his life.” He also described his father as “the dad of dads.”
Stephen Talked About What It Was Like Falling In Love With His Wife Of 26 Years
Michael continued, “He was always present (and) coached every single rec league up until 8th Grade. He was always checking in, always taught me that education is really important because he’s someone who truly believes in learning and loving to learn.”
Stephen is reportedly a self-described “serial entrepreneur.” He was happily married for 26 years to his wife, Gina, whom he called his “best friend.” Stephen shared, “We had a fantastic marriage. When I met her, I’m typically somebody who doesn’t get nervous, and when I saw her, I got all nervous, I got weak in the knees, and her smile was just infectious.”
Tragically, Gina passed away around five years ago of a cardiac arrest. Looking back, Stephen shared, “It took me a year or two to kind of try to get my life back. “It was a really rough time for my family. It was really traumatic for all of us in different ways, because she was all of our best friends.”
In the next chapter of his life, Stephen shared that he wanted to focus on new things. He shared, “Several months ago, I started taking up dancing lessons. I am doing things that are outside my comfort zone. I went to my first EDM concert last Sunday. We took up scuba diving as a family. It’s about getting more out of life.”
Some Fans Wished Stephen Good Luck With His Search On Social Media
Stephen noted that he’s been dating for the past four years now, calling things a “learning experience.” He shared, “I mean, they’ve been fun.”
However, Stephen stressed the importance of having a “friend” as well as someone to love. He shared, “I just kind of haven’t met the right one yet. I just want to find my best friend again.”
With the recent project being shared on Today, a lot of viewers have also commented on the recent segment on social media. A few teased that Jenna and Sheinelle might have the next big Bachelor Nation star on their hands. Some comments included:
- “Beautiful eyes, but most importantly, when your children honor and lift you up, that shows your character and soul and THAT is what matters. You’ve done well Dad and I am sure your wife is proud of you! You need one who understands and will also honor and keep her spirit alive and celebrated!”
- “Praying for Him to find His Bestie BBF. Sending hugs and prayers.”
- “Golden Bachelor candidate.”
- “He looks promising, sign me up. LOL Seriously, intellectual conversations are a must with a good sense of humor.”
- “Ahh he should keep trying ..he seems like a good guy to be best friends! What is his astro sign…it does tell you a bit more.”
What is your reaction to this recent share? Have you been following this story? Are you also keeping up with Today? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
