5 Shocking Revelations That Explain What Really Happened To Hoda And Jenna Today

The landscape of NBC’s beloved fourth hour has undergone a monumental shift, with the latest news confirming a permanent co-host replacement for Hoda Kotb. This dramatic change answers the burning question on everyone’s mind: "What happened to Hoda and Jenna?" As of late December 2025, the show has transitioned from Today with Hoda & Jenna to Today with Jenna & Friends, a temporary name that has now solidified into a new permanent partnership following Hoda’s emotional departure earlier this year. The recent announcement of a new co-host has cemented a fresh era for the popular morning talk show.

The biggest story dominating the "Today" universe in December 2025 is the confirmation that veteran NBC correspondent and Today 3rd Hour co-host, Sheinelle Jones, has officially been named Jenna Bush Hager’s new permanent partner. This decision, announced nearly a year after Hoda Kotb stepped away from the fourth hour, puts an end to the rotating cast of "friends" and sets a definitive course for the program's future. The move is a significant shakeup, but one that fans and the network believe will maintain the show's signature warmth and candid energy.

The New Era: Hoda, Jenna, and Sheinelle Full Biography & Career Timeline

To truly understand the magnitude of the changes, it is essential to look at the careers of the women at the center of this story: Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and the new co-host, Sheinelle Jones. Their professional paths are marked by dedication, resilience, and a deep connection with the audience.

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Hoda Kotb (Former Co-Host)

• Born: August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma.
• Early Career: Began her broadcasting career after graduating from Virginia Tech, with early stints at local news affiliates in Mississippi, Illinois, and Florida.
• NBC News: Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.
• Today Show Debut: Became co-host of the fourth hour of Today in 2007, originally alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, creating the iconic Hoda & Kathie Lee segment.
• Main Anchor: Named co-anchor of the entire Today Show (with Savannah Guthrie) in 2018, following Matt Lauer's exit.
• Departure from 4th Hour: Stepped away from the fourth hour, then titled Today with Hoda & Jenna, in January 2025 to focus on her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
• Current Role: Continues as co-anchor of the first two hours of the Today Show.

Jenna Bush Hager (Current Host)

• Born: November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas.
• Family Background: Daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. Twin sister of Barbara Pierce Bush.
• Early Career: Worked as a teacher in Washington, D.C., and was an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine.
• NBC News: Joined the Today Show as a correspondent and contributor in 2009.
• 4th Hour Host: Succeeded Kathie Lee Gifford in April 2019, forming the Today with Hoda & Jenna partnership.
• Author/Literary Curator: Host of the highly popular "Open Book with Jenna" book club segment, which has driven numerous titles to bestseller status.
• Current Role: Host of the newly rebranded Today with Jenna & Sheinelle (formerly Jenna & Friends).

Sheinelle Jones (New Permanent Co-Host)

• Born: April 19, 1978.
• Early Career: Worked at KOKI-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and WTXF-TV in Philadelphia, gaining significant experience as a local anchor.
• NBC News: Joined NBC News in 2014, initially as a weekend anchor and correspondent.
• Today Show Role: Became a co-host of the Today Show’s third hour, working alongside Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker.
• New 4th Hour Role: Officially announced as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host for the fourth hour in December 2025, replacing Hoda Kotb.
• Reputation: Known for her infectious laugh, positive energy, and thoughtful reporting, making her a natural fit for the show's lighthearted format.

The 3 Major Reasons Hoda Kotb Stepped Away from the Fourth Hour

The most significant event that led to the "Today" show’s fourth-hour transformation was Hoda Kotb’s decision to step back from her co-hosting duties with Jenna. Her departure in January 2025 was not due to a falling out or a career end, but a heartfelt choice centered on family.

1. A Focus on Family and Motherhood

Hoda Kotb openly shared that her primary reason for leaving the fourth hour was to dedicate more time and energy to her young daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. The demanding schedule of co-anchoring the first two hours of Today (beginning at 7 a.m.) and then immediately co-hosting the fourth hour (at 10 a.m.) was incredibly taxing. Stepping away from the later hour allowed her to reclaim crucial morning and early afternoon time with her family.

2. The Evolution of Her Primary Role

While she left the 10 a.m. slot, Hoda remained the main co-anchor of the flagship Today Show alongside Savannah Guthrie. Her commitment to the earlier, more news-intensive hours of the program remains paramount. The move streamlined her schedule, ensuring she could maintain her high-profile role without the additional daily commitment of the fourth hour.

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3. Maintaining the "Hoda & Jenna" Connection (The Surprise Christmas Single)

Despite leaving, the bond between Hoda and Jenna remains strong. In a touching sign of their enduring friendship, the pair recently collaborated on a Christmas single, which Jenna Bush Hager and her sister Barbara Pierce Bush announced on the show. This proved that while their professional partnership has changed, their personal relationship and willingness to work together on special projects are still very much alive, reassuring fans that Hoda is still part of the extended Today family.

What Happened on "Today with Jenna & Friends" Today (December 2025 Highlights)

The show, now transitioning to a permanent partnership with Sheinelle Jones, has maintained its signature blend of lighthearted fun, emotional segments, and candid discussions. Here are some of the most recent highlights from the Today with Jenna & Friends broadcasts in December 2025:

A Permanent Co-Host is Announced

The biggest news "today" is, of course, the official announcement of Sheinelle Jones as Jenna's co-host. The decision was a popular one, as Sheinelle has been a frequent and beloved guest host throughout the year of "Jenna & Friends," proving her chemistry with Jenna and her ability to handle the show's format. The pairing is expected to bring a new, dynamic energy to the 10 a.m. hour.

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Emotional Fan Surprise and On-Air Proposal

One of the most heartwarming moments this month involved a fan being surprised on-air. During a segment, a loyal viewer of Today with Jenna & Friends was brought onto the set, only to be completely stunned when her partner dropped to one knee and proposed. Jenna Bush Hager, known for her emotional reactions, was visibly moved, tearing up as the couple celebrated their engagement on the NBC stage.

The "Relationship Court" Christmas PJs Debate

The show recently featured a popular "Relationship Court" segment where a couple debated a common holiday tradition: matching Christmas pajamas. The playful, yet relatable, discussion showcased the show's ability to tackle everyday life issues with humor and a touch of drama, with Jenna offering her own perspective on family holiday rituals.

Celebrity Guests and Holiday Talk

The festive season brought a host of high-profile guests. Country music superstar Brad Paisley joined Jenna (and guest host Willie Geist) to discuss his brand-new Christmas music and holiday plans. Entertainment reporter Rachel Smith also made an appearance to share the latest Hollywood headlines and celebrity gossip, keeping the audience up-to-date with pop culture.

Jenna's Family Christmas Card Reveal

In a personal segment that delighted fans, Jenna Bush Hager unveiled her 2025 family Christmas card, featuring her husband Henry Hager and their three children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal. These personal glimpses into her life are a hallmark of the show, strengthening her connection with the audience and providing a sense of shared experience.

The Future of the Fourth Hour: "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle"

The permanent addition of Sheinelle Jones marks a definitive end to the "Jenna & Friends" era, which was always intended as a transitional period. The new partnership is poised to build on the success of the previous iterations—first with Kathie Lee Gifford, then with Hoda Kotb.

Sheinelle Jones brings a wealth of journalistic experience from her roles on the Today Show's third hour and her extensive background in local news. Her established rapport with the broader NBC team, including Al Roker and Craig Melvin, provides a seamless transition and a strong support system for the new pairing.

For Jenna Bush Hager, this new chapter allows her to cement her status as the anchor of the hour, continuing to grow her highly influential "Open Book with Jenna" book club and her role as a compassionate interviewer. The combination of Jenna's heartfelt sincerity and Sheinelle's infectious optimism promises a fresh, engaging, and enduring dynamic for the years to come.