Sheinelle Jones, popular cohost of the TODAY Show, has had a tough 2025. But there’s at least one bright spot coming her way as evidenced by a new announcement on Tuesday.
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As we previously told you, Jones shocked fans when she shared earlier in the year that she’d be taking some time away from her duties at the show to deal with “a family health matter.” Fast forward to May 2025, the mystery of the family health matter was sadly revealed on air when Jones’ cohosts revealed that her husband Uche Ojeh passed away after “a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.” Jones and Ojeh had been married since 2007 and shared three children together.
Her return and subsequent first interview in the aftermath of her personal loss was overwhelmingly emotional with Jones sharing how she was still “fighting for her joy” amidst the loss. Well, a ray of sunshine appeared to shine her way on Tuesday as it was revealed she would be the new, permanent cohost of the 10 o’clock hour of the TODAY Show.
The role was previously held by Hoda Kotb who served alongside Jenna Bush Hager for five years prior. After Kotb quit in the earlier part of 2025, the cohosting position saw a carousel of folks from fellow TODAY Show employees to celebrities and more. But now, after months of trying to find the right fit, Jones will take a seat at the table as the newest, yet familiar face, for the newly revamped “Jenna and Sheinelle,” which is set to begin airing in January.
Describing taking on the role as a “higher purpose,” Jones responded to the news of her new gig, saying: “I feel like it’s divine, but I actually feel a responsibility in it where we can bring joy, we can bring hope, we can bring comfort. So just as healing as it is for me and fun, I hope we can bring that for people at home.”
Jones then went on to share an uplifting message to viewers watching at home about pushing through grief and holding onto joy.
“For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding. I just want you to know, if you see me here, that means you can do it too,” Jones continued. “And we’re all gonna fight for our joy. If you see me laughing and when you see me having a good time with my sister-friend here. That means you can get up and conquer your day too.”
Once people online got wind of her new gig, many were quick to send her congratulations and well wishes on her role.
“Very happy for them, but especially Sheinelle Jones and her chance to shine and start a new journey so soon after such a tremendous loss. Congratulations to her and we look forward to supporting her new journey,” said one user in part on X/Twitter.
“Absolutely beautiful!!!!!! Much needed JOY,” wrote another.
One other user added: “Loved their interaction from jump, Sheinelle is the perfect choice, congrats.”
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