The Shocking Truth Behind 'What Happened To Hoda And Jenna Today': 5 Major Updates You Missed
Contents
The New Era: Complete Profiles of the Today Show Fourth Hour Hosts
The "Today Show fourth hour" has seen only three permanent co-host pairings since its inception, making any change a massive event. Here is a look at the three key figures involved in the show's recent transition:Hoda Kotb: The Beloved Anchor’s New Chapter
- Full Name: Hoda Kotb
- Born: August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma
- Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
- Career Highlights: NBC News correspondent, co-anchor of the main Today Show (7-9 a.m.), co-host of Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda (2008–2019), co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna (2019–2025).
- Key Entities: NBC News, Kathie Lee Gifford, Savannah Guthrie, Adoption, Cancer Survivor, Making Space podcast.
- Departure: Hoda Kotb departed the fourth hour in January 2025 to focus exclusively on the first two hours of the Today Show with Savannah Guthrie and her other projects, including her popular podcast.
Jenna Bush Hager: The Constant and the Future
- Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager (née Bush)
- Born: November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas
- Education: University of Texas at Austin
- Career Highlights: Former First Daughter (daughter of President George W. Bush and Laura Bush), contributing correspondent for NBC News, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, host of the popular book club, *Read With Jenna*.
- Key Entities: George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Barbara Bush (twin sister), Henry Hager (husband), *Read With Jenna* Book Club, Author, Fraternal Twin.
- Current Role: Co-host of the fourth hour, leading the show through the transition and into its new format.
Sheinelle Jones: The New Permanent Co-Host
- Full Name: Sheinelle Marie Jones
- Born: April 19, 1978
- Education: Northwestern University (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
- Career Highlights: News anchor and correspondent for NBC News, co-host of the Today Show Third Hour. Previously an anchor for *Good Day Philadelphia*.
- Key Entities: *Today Show Third Hour*, NBC News Correspondent, Philadelphia, Permanent Co-Host, Triplets (mother of three).
- New Role: Announced on December 9, 2025, as the permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager. The new show will be called *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle*.
The Co-Host Announcement That Ended a Year of Speculation
The biggest revelation that answers the "what happened to Hoda and Jenna" query is the official co-host announcement that took place just weeks ago. After Hoda Kotb’s departure in January 2025, the fourth hour was temporarily rebranded as *Today with Jenna & Friends*, featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces and celebrities. The speculation finally ended on December 9, 2025, when NBC officially named Sheinelle Jones as the new permanent co-host. This decision brought an end to months of on-air "first dates" with guest hosts like Chelsea Handler, Scarlett Johansson, and Olivia Munn, who had all been rumored contenders for the coveted 10 a.m. slot.Sheinelle Jones, already a beloved fixture on the *Today Show Third Hour*, was a natural and popular choice. Her infectious energy and easy camaraderie with Jenna Bush Hager were evident during her guest-hosting stints. The new show, *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle*, is set to officially debut in January 2026, solidifying the new dynamic.
Hoda’s Blessing and Sheinelle’s Emotional Call
The transition was handled with the class and warmth the *Today* family is known for. Sheinelle Jones shared an emotional detail, revealing that Hoda Kotb called her the night before the announcement to offer her personal blessing and advice.Hoda reportedly told Jones that the new role was the "best decision for your kids," acknowledging the demanding schedule of a morning news anchor and the importance of family balance. This moment underscored the deep bond within the *Today* team, even as the co-hosts change.
What Was Discussed on the Show Today (December 19, 2025)?
As the show wraps up its *Jenna & Friends* transitional period before the full launch of *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle* in the new year, the segments today and this week have focused heavily on holiday-themed segments and personal family discussions, a hallmark of the fourth hour's lighthearted format.Current Topics and Guest Co-Hosts
This week, leading up to the holiday break, Jenna Bush Hager has been joined by a mix of rotating co-hosts, including the likes of Al Roker, Willie Geist, and Rosie Perez, as the show celebrates the end of the year.- Parenting Debates: A recent segment that captured attention was Jenna’s personal revelation about her 12-year-old daughter, Mila. Jenna Bush Hager opened up about refusing to give her pre-teen daughter a cell phone, sparking a lively debate on parenting and technology that resonated with viewers.
- Holiday Traditions: The show has featured its popular "Relationship Court" segment, recently discussing a couple's disagreement over Christmas pajamas, leaning into the relatable, festive family issues of the season.
- Year-End Specials: Looking ahead, the *Today Show* family is preparing for the highly-anticipated *A Toast to 2024!* special, which Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will still be involved in, featuring a star-studded look at the biggest moments of the past year, including an appearance by Reba McEntire.
The Hoda & Jenna Reunion Moment
While Hoda is no longer a daily fixture on the fourth hour, the two friends recently reunited for a deeply moving conversation on Jenna’s *Open Book with Jenna* podcast. The discussion centered on embracing new life chapters, with Hoda sharing candidly about her life after her departure from the 10 a.m. slot. This reunion segment provided a comforting moment for fans who missed the duo's on-screen chemistry, proving their friendship remains strong despite the professional shift. The transition from *Today with Hoda & Jenna* to *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle* marks a significant evolution for the *Today Show* franchise. The official announcement of Sheinelle Jones as the permanent co-host is the definitive answer to what has been the biggest question surrounding the fourth hour throughout 2025. The new pairing promises to maintain the warmth, humor, and relatability that viewers have come to expect from the 10 a.m. slot.Detail Author:
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