After nearly a year and hosting 60 different guests, Jenna Bush Hager has finally welcomed her new co-anchor on Today!

Sheinelle Jones, a veteran of the Today show, has been selected to become the permanent co-host alongside Bush Hager on the program’s fourth hour. Since Hoda Kotb stepped away from her daytime TV role in January 2025, Bush Hager had been sharing the stage with a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts.

During the December 9 broadcast, Bush Hager couldn’t help but become emotional as she announced the news.

“We have a very special show for you today,” she revealed. “Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of co-hosting with 60 amazing friends who have opened up to me, inspired me, and shared endless laughter and tears. I’ve built lasting friendships and discovered a lot about myself along the way. I want to thank you, our audience, for being with me every step of the way.”

Bush Hager expressed that Jones was her “forever friend.” “You all know her as an exceptional broadcaster,” she added. “But more importantly, she embodies everything this show represents.”

Jones will join Bush Hager beginning Jan. 12 on what will soon be named Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. Variety reports that Jones will also likely continue hosting the earlier hours of Today.

Jones has been with the NBC talk show since 2014. She currently co-hosts the third hour of The Today Show with Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer.

She took a leave of absence at the beginning of the year to care for her husband Uche Ojeh, who passed away in May at the age of 45 after a battle with brain cancer. Today With Jenna & Friends was one of the first stops she made when she returned to NBC in September and guest-hosted the fourth hour of Today for a week.

The co-hosts shared a touching moment on the show as Jones opened up about how “tough” it has been returning to work and her “new normal.”

“My coach was gone, my life partner,” she told Bush Hager. “The days after my first week were tough because it was like my new normal.”

Bush Hager praised her strength as they kicked off their first week co-hosting together.

“I’ve never met anybody stronger,” she told Jones at the time. “Watching you over the last year has been remarkable.”

Today with Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.