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Sheinelle Jones marked a deeply emotional milestone on Monday, January 12, as she made her official debut as Jenna Bush Hager's permanent co-host on Today's fourth hour, newly titled Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. The broadcast was filled with tears, memories and tributes, as Jones reflected on stepping into the role months after the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh.
Early in the episode, Jones revealed a personal story she initially hadn't planned to share publicly. "I did not plan to share this, but I shared it with Jenna and she is having me share this with you," Jones, 47, told viewers. She recalled that Ojeh had always believed she belonged on a talk show dating back to their college years. "Uche always felt like, when we were in college, 'Oh, you should do a show,'" she said, admitting she often brushed off the idea.
Jones explained that when former co-host Hoda Kotb announced her departure from Today in 2024, Ojeh was already seriously ill and communicating mostly through emojis. She then shared a screenshot of a text he sent her at the time — an article about Kotb leaving, accompanied by thumbs up, flexed biceps and crossed fingers emojis.
"He felt like it was my turn to shine and to try," Jones said through tears. She noted that at the time, she didn't even respond to the message. "It didn't even register for me," she said. "I was like, 'No, we gotta save your life first. I don't want to talk about me. I want to talk about you.'"
Now, nearly two years later, Jones said the moment feels symbolic. "So now, it just feels like confirmation because here we are two years later and he's like, 'Told you.'"
Bush Hager, 44, became emotional as well, telling Jones that her husband was watching over her first day. Ojeh died in May 2025 at age 45 after battling glioblastoma. Jones and Ojeh share three children: son Kayin and twins Clara and Uche Jr.
The episode also featured surprise appearances from former co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, as well as messages from Jones' family and mentors. Jones, who has been part of the Today family since 2014, called the new chapter a reflection of "fighting for my joy," adding, "This is what it looks like."
Her debut marked the beginning of a new era for the fourth hour, closing a year-long period of rotating guest co-hosts following Kotb's exit.
