Sheinelle Jones recently made her debut as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host on Today. The moment proved to be an emotional one at the studio. In fact, Jones received a few unexpected surprises throughout this first day. What happened during her big premiere? Keep reading for all of the exciting details.
Sheinelle Jones Is Back & Ready To Roll
Jones first joined Today in New York City back in 2014 as part of Weekend Today. By 2019, she became a co-host for Today‘s third hour.
Back in December, it was announced that Jones would become a permanent co-host on the fourth hour. Previously, Hoda Kotb hosted the show alongside Jenna Bush Hager before leaving in early 2025. Since then, a rotating number of guests joined Jenna in the studio.
Jones made her debut in her new role on January 12, 2026. The episode was filled with multiple surprises. This included a video message from her mother in Kansas and an appearance from two aspiring journalism students from her alma mater.
However, Jones also got a surprise from some familiar faces. Two of the show’s former co-hosts, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, appeared for an unexpected toast.
A Very Special Day
Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford arrived with a flaming torch to pass on to their successors. They also hugged Jones and wished her well. Furthermore, they reflected on the friendship while they worked together, likely hoping the same for Jones and Bush Hager.
During the Monday broadcast, Jones mused about her late husband, Uche Ojeh, saying he always dreamed of her having her own show. He reportedly encouraged her to pursue this dream after Kotb announced her own Today departure.
As previously reported, Ojeh died of brain cancer at the age of 45 less than a year ago. During the episode, Jones shared, “He felt like it was my turn to shine and to try. So now it just feels like confirmation. Here we are two years later, and he’s like ‘Told you.’” Jenna also shared, “I know he’s looking down with your grandmother, who you also just recently lost, and they’re probably dancing to our new [theme] song and cheering you on.”
In another surprise, Jones received a visit from Kassandra Fleming Hayes, who inspired her to become a journalist. Notably, the two haven’t seen each other in over 30 years.
In the moment, Jones praised her role model, saying, “It takes someone else sometimes to see you back… I was just in awe of you.”
What is your reaction to the recent premiere of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle? Finally, have you been following this story? 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.
