5 Shocking Details About Sheinelle Jones’ Major Today Show Career Switch (She’s Not Leaving!)

The question "Is Sheinelle Jones leaving the Today Show?" has been dominating social media and online searches, and as of December 2025, the answer is a resounding "Yes" and "No." While the beloved anchor is indeed stepping away from her long-standing role on a key segment of the program, she is not leaving the NBC franchise entirely; instead, she is moving into a major, permanent co-hosting position that will define the next chapter of her career and the show's format. This significant transition has been officially confirmed by NBC News, putting an end to months of speculation and marking one of the biggest personnel changes for the program in recent memory. This in-depth article reveals the full story behind the move, detailing the new show, the timeline for the transition, and a comprehensive look at the life and career of the journalist who has become a fixture in morning television. The change is not a departure, but a promotion and a fresh start, promising a new dynamic for viewers tuning in to the later hours of the *Today Show* lineup.

Sheinelle Jones: A Broadcast Journalist’s Full Biography & Career Timeline

Sheinelle Marie Jones, born on April 19, 1978, is an accomplished American broadcast journalist, news anchor, and television host. She has cultivated a reputation for her warmth, sincerity, and versatility across various roles at NBC News. Her journey to national television is marked by years of dedicated work in local markets before she landed her breakthrough role at the *Today Show*.

• Full Name: Sheinelle Marie Jones
• Date of Birth: April 19, 1978
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
• Early Career (WICS-TV): Her first broadcast job was in Springfield, Illinois, at WICS.
• Local News (KOKI-TV): She worked at KOKI-TV, the FOX affiliate in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Local News (WTXF-TV): She spent nine years as an anchor for *Good Day Philadelphia* on WTXF-TV, the FOX O&O station in Philadelphia.
• Joined NBC News (2014): Jones joined the *Today Show* team in 2014, initially serving as the co-anchor for the Saturday edition of the program.
• Personal Life & Family: She was married to Uche Ojeh in 2007. They had three children: a son, Kayin, born in 2009, and twins, Clara and Uche, born in 2012. Her husband, Uche Ojeh, tragically passed away in May 2025 after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, a sensitive event announced by her co-host Savannah Guthrie.
• Today Show Role (2014-2026): Served as a co-host for the *3rd Hour of Today* alongside Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer.
• New Permanent Role (Starting January 2026): Permanent co-host of the *fourth hour* of *Today* with Jenna Bush Hager.

The Truth: Sheinelle Jones is Transitioning to a New Permanent Role

The intense speculation surrounding Sheinelle Jones’ status on the *Today Show* was fueled by her consistent presence on the *3rd Hour of Today* and the sudden announcement of a major change. The fact is, the journalist is not leaving the NBC family or even the *Today* franchise; she is simply moving to a different chair in the same building. The official announcement, made in December 2025, confirmed that Sheinelle Jones will be stepping down from her role on the *3rd Hour of Today* to become the permanent co-host of the program’s 10 a.m. slot, known as the *fourth hour*. This move is a significant career elevation, solidifying her position as a fixture on the show's daily weekday lineup. She will be joining her longtime colleague and friend, Jenna Bush Hager, to lead the final hour of the morning broadcast. This new role fills the vacancy left by Hoda Kotb, who had previously been a co-host of the fourth hour. The transition is scheduled to become official in January 2026, marking a fresh start for the segment and for Jones herself. The decision to make this change was a mutual one, allowing Jones to focus her considerable talents and warm on-air personality into a single, dedicated co-hosting role, rather than balancing her time across multiple segments.

The New Show: 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle'

The transition is so profound that the fourth hour is getting a complete rebrand to reflect the new partnership. NBC News announced that the 10 a.m. slot will officially be renamed "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle." This title change emphasizes the permanent nature of Jones's new position and the strength of the on-screen chemistry she shares with Jenna Bush Hager. The launch date for the newly titled program is set for Monday, January 12, 2026. The new show is expected to maintain the lighthearted, conversational, and lifestyle-focused format that viewers have come to love from the fourth hour. However, the pairing of Jones and Hager—two working mothers with a deeply authentic friendship—is anticipated to bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the broadcast. This move is seen by network executives as a strategic way to capitalize on Jones's rising popularity and her ability to connect with the audience on a personal level, a trait that makes her an "extraordinary broadcaster" and a perfect fit for the segment's intimate style. The shift is a clear sign of NBC’s long-term commitment to Sheinelle Jones. The new, dedicated role will likely give her more flexibility in her schedule, a factor that is often crucial for anchors balancing demanding national television careers with family life, especially in the wake of her recent personal tragedy.

What This Means for the '3rd Hour of Today' Co-Hosts

Sheinelle Jones's departure from the *3rd Hour of Today* means a shift in the dynamic for the popular 9 a.m. block. For years, Jones was a core member of the quartet, sharing the desk with Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer. Her move leaves a vacancy that NBC News will need to address, either by promoting an existing correspondent or bringing in a new face. The *3rd Hour of Today* is known for its ensemble cast and its focus on news, lifestyle topics, and lighthearted banter. While the show will continue with its established format, the absence of Jones's unique contributions will be felt by both her co-hosts and the audience. The remaining trio—Melvin, Roker, and Dreyer—are all seasoned professionals who have worked together for years, ensuring that the transition will be smooth, but the chemistry of the original four will undoubtedly be missed. The network has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Jones on the *3rd Hour of Today*, though correspondents like Savannah Sellers have often stepped in to cover for absences, suggesting potential internal candidates. Regardless of who joins the team, the focus for Jones is now entirely on her new, permanent co-hosting gig with Jenna Bush Hager, a role that promises to elevate her status as one of morning television’s most influential figures. The move is a positive development, securing her future with the *Today Show* and giving her a dedicated platform to connect with millions of viewers daily.