The Shocking Truth About Hoda And Jenna Today: Why Hoda Left And Who Replaced Her On The Fourth Hour

The question "What happened to Hoda and Jenna today?" has a definitive, and emotional, answer that has reshaped the landscape of morning television. As of December 12, 2025, the biggest and most recent news is the official, permanent naming of a new co-host for Jenna Bush Hager on the *Today Show*'s fourth hour, following Hoda Kotb's much-discussed departure earlier this year. This transition marks the end of the beloved *Today with Hoda & Jenna* era and the beginning of a fresh, dynamic partnership that has fans buzzing.

The show, now frequently referred to as *Today with Jenna & Friends* during the transition period, has officially welcomed a familiar face to the permanent seat next to Jenna. The shift was a significant moment for the *Today* family, as it solidified the new format for the 10 a.m. hour, which continues to bring its signature mix of heartfelt conversation, celebrity interviews, and sweet surprises to millions of viewers.

A Look Back: The Careers of Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones

The story of the *Today Show*'s fourth hour is built on the incredible careers of its hosts. Understanding their professional journeys provides crucial context for the recent changes.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Hoda Kotb: An American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality. Her tenure at NBC News spanned 17 years, during which she became a co-anchor of the main *Today Show* hours alongside Savannah Guthrie. She first joined the fourth hour in 2007 with Kathie Lee Gifford, creating the iconic *Kathie Lee & Hoda* pairing. She is a breast cancer survivor and a two-time adoptive mother, often sharing her personal life with viewers. Her final day in the main co-anchor role was January 10, 2025.
• Jenna Bush Hager: An American news personality, author, and journalist. The daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, she began contributing to the *Today Show* in 2009. She officially replaced Kathie Lee Gifford on the fourth hour in 2019, creating the *Today with Hoda & Jenna* pairing. She is also a best-selling author and the founder of the popular "Read with Jenna" book club.
• Sheinelle Jones: An American journalist and television personality who has been a long-time member of the *Today Show* family, serving as a co-anchor for the third hour. She is known for her insightful reporting and infectious energy. Jones is a former anchor for *Good Day Philadelphia* and has been a rotating co-host on the fourth hour since Hoda Kotb's departure, leading to her permanent selection.

Why Hoda Kotb Departed from the Fourth Hour

The most significant event that led to the recent changes was Hoda Kotb's emotional farewell from her co-anchor duties on the *Today Show* in early 2025. Her decision was not sudden, as she announced her plans to step down in September 2024, penning a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew.

Hoda’s final day was January 10, 2025, which was celebrated by the show as a "Hoda-bration." While she stepped away from her daily co-anchor role on both the main hours and the fourth hour, her reasons were rooted in a desire to focus on her family and other projects.

For 17 years, Hoda Kotb was a constant, comforting presence on the morning show, first with Kathie Lee Gifford and then with Jenna Bush Hager. Her departure created a major vacancy, leading to nearly a year of speculation and a rotating cast of over 60 guest co-hosts who sat in the chair next to Jenna.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The New Era: Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones

The "what happened today" query is best answered by the long-awaited announcement of Hoda's permanent replacement. In December 2025, the *Today Show* officially named Sheinelle Jones as the new permanent co-host for the fourth hour, now titled *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle*.

This announcement was a major moment for the show and a historic one for the network, as Sheinelle Jones becomes the program's first Black anchor.

• The Emotional Announcement: Jenna Bush Hager broke down in tears on air as she shared the news, highlighting the overwhelming support and chemistry she felt with Sheinelle Jones during the long audition process.
• Hoda’s Seal of Approval: Even after stepping away, Hoda Kotb showed her full support. She famously surprised Jenna on the show during the announcement period, giving her a "one in a million" endorsement and a heartfelt interview segment, confirming the choice was "Kotb-approved."
• A Natural Fit: Sheinelle Jones, who also co-anchors the third hour, has been a favorite among viewers and a natural fit with Jenna’s warm, conversational style. The new duo promises to maintain the fourth hour’s signature feel-good format, focusing on impactful stories and deep, personal connection.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy of the Fourth Hour

The 10 a.m. hour of the *Today Show* has always been a unique and powerful entity in morning television. Its success is rooted in the authentic, unscripted chemistry between its hosts, a legacy that began with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The transition from a decades-long partnership to a new one is a delicate process, and the show has navigated it by emphasizing continuity and genuine friendship. The new pairing of Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones ensures the *Fourth Hour* maintains its reputation as a space for candid conversation and lighthearted fun. Entities like the "Read with Jenna" book club, celebrity guests, and segments featuring other *Today Show* personalities like Carson Daly and Al Roker will continue to be central to the program's topical authority and viewer appeal.

In summary, while Hoda Kotb is no longer a daily co-host, her influence remains, and the show is moving forward with a strong, new, and celebrated partnership. The most current news today is the successful launch of the new *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle* chapter, solidifying the next generation of the feel-good morning show.