TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones is poised to officially replace Hoda Kotb as Jenna Bush Hager’s co-host after she returns from family leave.
An insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun that NBC execs have found a permanent replacement for Hoda, 60, in the fourth hour of Today – but the transition is on hold.
5
Sheinelle Jones is set to be announced as the replacement for Hoda Kotb alongside Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour of Today ShowCredit: Getty
5
Jenna has been hosting with a slew of celebrity guests in the fourth hour, but Today is expected to announce Sheinelle as Hoda’s replacementCredit: Getty
Sheinelle, 46, “has the job,” the insider claimed, but added there will not be an announcement until after her leave of absence has ended.
She has been away from Today since December, and has been silent on social media as well.
Sheinelle only returned to Instagram briefly on January 15 to issue a statement about her coping with a “family health matter.”
The morning show’s staff “has been extremely supportive” of the beloved journalist as she handles her family matter, the insider insisted.
The source added that while Sheinelle got the job, Today’s lifestyle contributor, Jill Martin, also lobbied hard for the spot.
Meanwhile, network execs learned an important lesson by promoting anchor Craig Melvin to Hoda’s more news-driven co-anchor spot alongside Savannah Guthrie, which seemed to help inform their decision regarding Sheinelle.
“Ratings with Craig are good. This taught executives that the audience wants people they know and that they should promote from within,” the source said.
Sheinelle was perfect for the position because she’s a seasoned professional, whereas Jenna is a less experienced anchor.
“They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro,” the source said.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Today for comment.
Today fans demand show hire ‘hilarious’ A-list guest host as Hoda Kotb’s official replacement opposite Jenna Bush Hager
The fourth hour of Today is currently called Jenna & Friends, and has a new celebrity guest host every week or every few days.
Jenna has co-hosted her fourth hour alongside stars like Scarlett Johansson, Amy Poehler, and Ciara after Hoda’s departure in January.
Fans have been questioning when NBC is finally going to name an official co-host, with one viewer demanding Jenna “needs a seasoned partner.”
SHEINELLE’S ABSENCE
As The U.S. Sun previously reported, fans questioned where Sheinelle had gone as she was conspicuously absent for Hoda’s goodbye show on January 10.
The host also didn’t send a video of herself bidding farewell to Hoda.
During the January 15 show, Today hosts explained more about their colleague’s absence.
“We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too,” Savannah said on air.
Meanwhile, Craig added, “We all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back. See you soon.”
Fans expressed their gratitude for the update, and sent their thoughts and prayers under Sheinelle’s Instagram post.
“We look forward to seeing you soon,” one fan wrote.
Another follower chimed in: “We miss you and your beautiful smile.”
The Today Show’s official Instagram account also commented, sharing, “We love you, Sheinelle.”
FUTURE OF TODAY
The anchor, who has been a part of the Today family for more than 10 years, has amassed a huge fan base for her presence on the show.
Before landing at Today, the mom of three rose through the ranks of local news stations.
Sheinelle is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of senior US district judge Cardozie Darnell Jones II.
5
NBC execs have learned that the audience likes seeing people promoted from within, making Sheinelle a natural choiceCredit: Getty
5
Sheinelle is set to host the fourth hour of Today (alongside Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Jenna Bush Hager)Credit: Getty
5
Sheinelle has been out on leave dealing with a family medical crisis since mid-December, and the announcement is expected upon her returnCredit: Getty
