Jenna Bush Hager’s ‘second choice’ for Today co-host after Sheinelle Jones leaves her ‘dying’ on-air

Sheinelle Jones Joins Jenna Bush Hager on ‘Today with Jenna and Friends’

Sheinelle Jones will be joining Jenna Bush Hager on her hit daytime show, which will be renamed to Today with Jenna and Sheinelle starting January 12. Before that, Jenna will spend one more week with her final guest co-host, Matt Rogers.

Jenna’s Revelation and Matt’s Speculation

Jenna shared her thoughts on who she believed was the “second choice” for the permanent co-host position. Matt Rogers humorously speculated during the show’s airing on January 5 that being chosen for the last week meant he was a shoo-in for the permanent host role. He joked, “I am so honored to be the final friend, I have to say. And I know what it means.” Jenna asked, “What does it mean?” Matt replied, “Second place,” as Jenna burst into laughter.

Matt Rogers’ Good-natured Acceptance

Matt continued, “I just want to gratefully accept this as my second place. Sheinelle, you deserve it, mama. Sorry everyone else. Don’t be wondering at home who was second place. It’s me, baby, and you know. And you [Jenna] know it’s true. She’s laughing ’cause she knows.” Jenna caught her breath and responded, “I’m dying ’cause I didn’t know this was coming.” Although Matt was certain he came in second place, he acknowledged the stiff competition.

Jenna’s Husband’s Involvement

Jenna added, “I did just tell Matt that there’s some poll online to vote for a [favorite] friend, and my husband told our group of friends – he was kind of – I think he was kidding, but I’m not sure.” Jenna’s husband also believed he came in “second” place. Matt agreed as Jenna said, “That he wakes up in the middle of the night, uses the restroom, and just votes for himself a thousand times… He texts me and goes: ‘I’m tied for number two’ and he goes, ‘I’m tied with the best. Matt Rogers, tell him I said hi.'”

Sheinelle’s Debut

Sheinelle will make her debut alongside Jenna on January 12. Jenna acknowledged, “One of the things that’s been so fun about this last year is that I’ve gotten to make so many really great friends, and you’re one of them. I see you – I light up – because we’re laughing.” Previously, Jenna exclusively shared how she felt after her former co-host Hoda Kotb left the show last January. She revealed, “Well, the biggest change is there’s no Hoda, you know, and I’m missing her. And obviously, it’s a challenge to be with different hosts every week, and it’s also an incredible opportunity.”

Jenna’s Growth Opportunity

Jenna added, “I feel like I’m learning so much about myself… It’s been such a growth opportunity for me to really get to know all these different people and also to carry the show on my own without Hoda, who I adore.” We look forward to seeing Jenna and Sheinelle’s close bond on-air next week.