NBC Finally Fills Hoda's Empty Seat on Today After Nearly a Year

After an extended search that spanned almost an entire year, NBC has finally announced the new co-host for the fourth hour of the Today show. Sheinelle Jones will officially join Jenna Bush Hager, filling the chair left vacant when Hoda Kotb departed the program back in January.

The role had remained open since Kotb’s departure, with the show continuing for months without a permanent replacement. However, that ends with Tuesday’s announcement that Jones will take over as the new permanent co-anchor.

The newly rebranded show, "Today with Jenna and Sheinelle," is set to debut on Monday, January 12th.

Jenna Bush Hager, who has effectively anchored the hour solo since Hoda left, became emotional when making the long-awaited announcement at the top of Tuesday’s broadcast.

“Today, I am so thrilled to announce I have found my forever friend, and we are going to start a brand new journey in January,” she said. “I couldn’t be more excited to share this person with you all.” Bush Hager described Jones as an "extraordinary broadcaster" who "exemplifies exactly what this show is all about."

Jones, 47, is already a familiar face to Today viewers, having served as a co-host on the 3rd Hour of Today. She now embarks on this new journey with Bush Hager, officially ending the long period of speculation and anticipation over who would take the seat that Hoda Kotb vacated nearly twelve months ago.