5 Shocking Details From Hoda And Jenna's Big Reveal: Who Is Replacing Hoda Kotb On The Today Show?

The question "What happened to Hoda and Jenna today?" has finally been answered with a bombshell announcement that concludes nearly a year of speculation. As of this week, December 2025, the fourth hour of the Today Show, formerly known as Today with Hoda & Jenna, has officially named its new, permanent co-host to join Jenna Bush Hager, following Hoda Kotb’s surprise departure earlier this year. The emotional reveal on the December 9th broadcast brought an end to the "Jenna & Friends" era and sets the stage for a completely new dynamic on NBC’s beloved morning show.

The news is the biggest shake-up for the Today Show's 10 a.m. hour since Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford first partnered. The show’s producers and Jenna Bush Hager herself kept the identity of the new co-host a closely guarded secret, leading to months of speculation among fans and media outlets. This article breaks down the tearful announcement, the new co-host’s profile, Hoda's heartfelt reaction, and what the future holds for the newly rebranded segment.

The Dynamic Duo: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Biography Profiles

The partnership between Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, which began officially in 2019, quickly became a staple of daytime television, known for its authentic conversations, lighthearted banter, and deep emotional connection. Their on-screen chemistry was a major factor in the segment's enduring success.

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• Hoda Kotb (Co-Host, 2007–2025):
  • Born: August 9, 1964 (Age 61 as of late 2025)
  • Role: Co-host of the fourth hour (2007–2025) and co-anchor of the main Today Show (7–9 a.m.) alongside Savannah Guthrie.
  • Key Career: Joined NBC News in 1998; co-hosted with Kathie Lee Gifford from 2008 to 2019; known for her inspiring interviews and personal stories about adoption.
  • Exit: Announced her departure from the fourth hour in January 2025 to dedicate more time to her family, including her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, though she remains the main Today Show co-anchor.
• Jenna Bush Hager (Co-Host, 2019–Present):
  • Born: November 25, 1981 (Age 44 as of late 2025)
  • Role: Co-host of the fourth hour since 2019.
  • Key Career: Daughter of former President George W. Bush; began as a correspondent for the Today Show in 2009; known for her book club, "Jenna's Book Club," and her warm, relatable style.
  • Family: Married to Henry Hager, with three children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal.

The Shocking New Co-Host Reveal: Sheinelle Jones Steps In

The biggest news to hit the Today Show's fourth hour in years was the official naming of Hoda Kotb’s permanent replacement. After months of rotating guest co-hosts—a period temporarily branded as Today with Jenna & Friends—Jenna Bush Hager tearfully announced that her new, permanent partner would be none other than current Today Show anchor, Sheinelle Jones.

The announcement came during the December 9, 2025, broadcast, bringing an emotional end to the intense speculation. Jenna, visibly teary-eyed, spoke about the rigorous process of testing out dozens of potential co-hosts over the past year.

Sheinelle Jones, a familiar face to NBC viewers, was a popular choice among many fans. Her promotion to the permanent co-host role alongside Jenna Bush Hager signals a major vote of confidence from NBC News executives in her ability to maintain the segment’s unique blend of lightheartedness and genuine conversation.

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Who is Sheinelle Jones?

Sheinelle Jones is a veteran journalist and a beloved member of the Today Show family. Her established presence and chemistry with the existing anchors, including Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, made her a natural fit for the morning lineup. Her profile includes:

• Current Role: Pop news anchor and co-host of the third hour of the Today Show.
• Background: A seasoned news reporter with experience in local markets before joining NBC News.
• Persona: Known for her infectious laugh, positive attitude, and deep commitment to covering uplifting stories. Her transition is expected to inject a fresh, energetic perspective into the fourth hour.

The new segment will be officially rebranded as Today With Jenna & Sheinelle and is scheduled to debut its new format on Monday, January 12, 2026. This new iteration promises to carry on the tradition of candid, fun, and meaningful discussions that viewers have come to expect from the 10 a.m. slot.

Hoda Kotb’s Heartfelt Reaction to the News

The question on everyone’s mind immediately following the announcement was Hoda Kotb’s reaction. Despite stepping away from the fourth hour in January 2025, Hoda has remained deeply supportive of Jenna and the show’s future. Her departure was driven by a desire to spend more time with her young family, a decision that resonated with many working mothers.

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Hoda Kotb offered a public, emotional response to the news, expressing immense happiness for both Jenna and Sheinelle. During a subsequent segment on the main *Today Show*, she praised Sheinelle Jones, calling her a "powerhouse" and noting that she was "the perfect person" for the job. Hoda’s reaction underscored the deep, familial bond among the NBC News anchors, dispelling any rumors of drama or ill will surrounding her exit and the subsequent replacement.

This supportive reaction highlights the core values of the segment—authenticity and friendship—which are expected to continue with the new pairing. The transition has been framed as a passing of the torch, with Hoda’s blessing ensuring a smooth handover to the new dynamic duo.

The End of the "Jenna & Friends" Era and Future Expectations

The period between Hoda’s exit and Sheinelle’s announcement was dubbed Today with Jenna & Friends, featuring a revolving door of guest co-hosts. This temporary format allowed the show to test the waters with various personalities, including Kristen Welker, Willie Geist, and even celebrities, before settling on a permanent choice.

The "Friends" era, while fun, also created a sense of instability for the segment, which thrives on consistency and chemistry. The decision to select Sheinelle Jones, who is already a respected and familiar anchor, provides the stability the fourth hour needs to move forward. The show’s producers aimed for a host who could seamlessly blend into the existing Today Show ecosystem while bringing a unique voice to the morning talk show landscape.

As Today With Jenna & Sheinelle prepares for its January 2026 debut, fans are eager to see how the new co-hosts will develop their own signature style. The focus is expected to remain on relatable lifestyle content, celebrity interviews, and candid personal stories—the hallmarks that made the fourth hour a massive success for nearly two decades. The move solidifies the Today Show's commitment to delivering fresh, engaging content as it heads into the new year.