Sheinelle Jones is on track to become the permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour of Today, replacing Hoda Kotb. 

However, while NBC executives have reportedly made their decision, an official announcement has yet to be made.

According to an insider who spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun, Sheinelle, 46, has secured the position, 

but the network is holding off on making it public until she returns from her leave of absence.

Sheinelle Jones Lands the Role, But Announcement Is Delayed

Sheinelle has been absent from Today since December, and she has remained largely silent on social media. 

Her only brief return to Instagram came on January 15, when she shared a statement about dealing with a “family health matter.”

The network has been highly supportive of Sheinelle during this time, and her colleagues have expressed their well wishes. Today hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin even took a moment during a January broadcast to acknowledge her absence, letting fans know she was missed.

While Sheinelle has already been selected as Hoda’s replacement, there was competition for the role. NBC’s lifestyle contributor Jill Martin also reportedly lobbied for the position, but executives ultimately decided to go with Sheinelle due to her extensive experience.

Why Sheinelle Jones Was Chosen

One of the key factors influencing the decision was the network’s success in promoting Craig Melvin to a more prominent role alongside Savannah Guthrie. Executives learned that audiences prefer familiar faces and value internal promotions rather than bringing in external hires.

“Ratings with Craig are good,” the insider revealed. “This taught executives that the audience wants people they know and that they should promote from within.”

Sheinelle, who has been with NBC for nearly a decade, fits that mold perfectly. The insider further explained that she is a seasoned television professional, making her a strong counterpart to Jenna Bush Hager.

“They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro,” the source added.

With her background as a news anchor and her years of experience on Today, Sheinelle brings a level of expertise that balances Jenna’s more relaxed and conversational style.

The Current State of the Fourth Hour of Today

Since Hoda Kotb’s departure in January, the fourth hour of Today has been temporarily rebranded as Jenna & Friends. Jenna has been co-hosting alongside a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts, including Scarlett Johansson, Amy Poehler, and Ciara.

While the guest host format has been entertaining for viewers, many fans have been eager to see a permanent co-host named. Some have even taken to social media to urge the network to make a decision.

One fan commented that Jenna “needs a seasoned partner,” while another demanded that NBC solidify the lineup instead of relying on temporary co-hosts.

Sheinelle’s Absence and Fan Reactions

Sheinelle’s recent absence from Today has not gone unnoticed by viewers. Many fans were surprised when she did not appear during Hoda’s farewell episode on January 10, nor did she send a video message to bid farewell to her former colleague.

During a broadcast on January 15, Today hosts acknowledged Sheinelle’s absence, with Savannah Guthrie addressing viewers’ concerns:

“We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too,” she said on air.

Craig Melvin also chimed in, adding, “We all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back. See you soon.”

Following the broadcast, fans took to social media to express their support, flooding Sheinelle’s Instagram with well wishes.

“We look forward to seeing you soon,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “We miss you and your beautiful smile.”

Even the Today show’s official Instagram account joined in, posting, “We love you, Sheinelle.”

What’s Next for Today?

While an official announcement is still pending, all signs indicate that Sheinelle Jones will soon be introduced as the new co-host of Today’s fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager. Once she returns from her leave, fans can likely expect NBC to confirm the news.

In the meantime, viewers will continue to see Jenna hosting with a variety of celebrity guests, but anticipation is building for the moment when Sheinelle officially takes her place as Hoda Kotb’s successor.

For fans of Today, the future looks promising with Sheinelle and Jenna at the helm. Their dynamic, blending Sheinelle’s journalistic expertise with Jenna’s engaging storytelling, is sure to make for an exciting and entertaining fourth hour of morning television.

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