Viewers have been following Sheinelle Jones’ journey on Today for years. Recently, she’s taken on a new role for one of the network’s shows. Since then, Jones has also opened up about who inspired her to make this move, something she admits she herself was hesitant about.
Sheinelle Jones Has Worn Many Hats Through Her Work For Today
Jones first joined Today in 2014, serving as part of Weekend Today. By 2019, she began to work as a co-host on Today‘s third hour.
In 2024, Jones took family medical leave from NBC News following her husband Uche Ojeh’s diagnosis of aggressive glioblastoma. Tragically, in May 2025, it was announced that Ojeh had died at the age of 45.
Recently, it was announced that Jones would be taking over Hoda Kotb’s position on Today‘s fourth hour, working alongside Jenna Bush Hager. After Kotb left the show early last year, Jenna had co-hosted the show with many rotating co-hosts. Fans saw the show debut as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle on January 12, 2026.
At the time, many felt that Jones was an obvious choice to join the show due to her history with Today. However, in a recent interview, she shared that she needed a little persuasion to take on the role.
Jones Shared That Someone Thought She & Jenna Would Make A Great Team
According to Jones, it was Hoda Kotb herself who convinced her to be her own successor. Sharing that she was feeling hesitant, Jones noted, “When Hoda called me, it wasn’t even about the third hour or the earlier hours.”
Jones shared that Kotb felt that she and Jenna Bush Hager, her previous co-host, would work well together. She added, “But she was very specific about how much I would love Jenna in the fourth hour.
Jones continued, “She said, ‘I’m telling you—you’re going to remember this time as a moment where you made the best decision. Not just for your career, but for your family and as a young woman.’”
“There’s a beautiful thing when you can watch people from different walks of life sit down at a table and get along. But there’s also a beautiful thing in sisterhood. And Hoda said it’s my time to experience that.”
As previously reported, Hoda herself also recently shared her feelings about watching Sheinelle and Jenna join forces for the show’s fourth hour. At the time, she compared herself to a “proud mom” watching the two, calling them “my girls.” Hoda and Kathie Lee Gifford also made a surprise appearance to meet the two new hosts at their Manhattan studio during their first day co-hosting with each other.
Have you been following this story? Furthermore, what is your reaction to Sheinelle Jones’ recent share? Finally, have you been 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.
