Hoda Kotb Responds After Her 'Today' Show Replacement Is Officially Announced

Tears, surprises, and a whole new chapter. Jenna Bush Hager got emotional, and so did Hoda Kotb, watching from afar. Here's how Kotb responded to the news.

After a year of rotating guest hosts, "Today with Jenna and Friends" is entering a bold new chapter, as Jenna Bush Hager officially names a new TV personality as her full-time co-host.

The reveal aired on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, sparking an outpouring of love from viewers and an emotional response from Hoda Kotb herself.

In the video, a visibly moved Bush Hager took a moment to reflect on the changes the show had undergone. "Over the last year, you guys, I have had the privilege of co-hosting this show with 60 incredible friends," she said.

She admitted she hadn't expected to become emotional before the show even began, but the moment clearly caught up with her as she reflected on the past year. "I've laughed, I've cried, I've made some incredible friends, and I've learned so much about myself," she added.

But then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. "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," Bush Hager continued.

Bush Hager went on to introduce someone already familiar to viewers, a seasoned broadcaster who, in her words, perfectly embodied the spirit and heart of the show. "Please welcome my new co-host, Sheinelle Jones," she revealed.

Jones was later seen in the video looking ecstatic as she entered the stage. She walked toward Bush Hager, who clapped along the way, and the two women shared a hug.

Following the on-air reveal, NBC confirmed that Jones will officially step into her new role on January 12, becoming the first permanent co-host of the "Fourth Hour" since Kotb's departure from the show.

While Jones will join "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle" in the new year, the current lineup for the "Third Hour," Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer, will remain unchanged.

Jones isn't a stranger to the co-host chair. She previously joined Bush Hager as a guest co-host in September, during which the two reminded viewers of their long-standing chemistry on air.

At the time, Jones playfully likened her appearance to going on a first date, hoping the experience would lead to another. Bush Hager didn't hesitate to reassure, making it clear that a return was already in the cards. Now, that return is official.

Social media erupted with excitement. "I've been waiting for this 💕 BEST NEWS & BEST CHOICE ✨," one viewer gushed.

Another hit back at critics, writing, "I love this. Sheinelle is the perfect choice. To all those complaining who weren't watching anyway kick rocks and find something else to do. We're good over here with Jenna & Sheinelle ❤️🐘."

A different commenter expressed happiness, "So glad! They will be a great team! Both have hearts of gold ❤️ and full of happy!😊" Another declared, "The best news!! ❤️" Someone else chimed in, "I'm happy for Sheinelle and like the choice although I wish she'd still be part of the third hour [sic] too."

Not everyone saw it coming. One viewer commented, "I thought Justin was going to get the gig. Too bad, he was upbeat and so positive," referring to Justin Sylvester, who had also co-hosted with Bush Hager during the year of rotating guests.

As the moment sank in, one familiar face from the show's past also weighed in, and her reaction left fans feeling nostalgic. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kotb wrote:

"Ok. I am weeping—- just watched @jennabhager and @sheinelle_o show us what a match made in heaven looks like. So proud of you both…#proudmom @jennaandfriends @todayshow"

But not everyone was ready to move on from Kotb. "Not the same without you," a supporter said while another remarked, "We still miss you Hoda❤️❤️."

As the news of Jones's appointment rippled through "Today" fans and colleagues alike, Jones opened up about a private phone call she received from a former colleague.

She revealed that Kotb had offered her a powerful moment of reassurance. "She goes, 'Don't say anything, just listen,' and she gave me 45 seconds of just wisdom that changed me," Jones said.

Jones went on to share part of that unforgettable conversation, "I'll give you one part of it. She said, 'You're going to be doing graduation speeches and all that.' And she goes, 'I promise you.' She goes, 'Let's remember this moment. You're going to talk about how this was the moment that changed your career, and it was the best decision for your kids, for you.'"

Kotb didn't stop there. According to Jones, she also had glowing words for Bush Hager. "Working with Jenna is going to be better than you can ever imagine. You're gonna love it," she recalled Kotb telling her.

Those words of encouragement now carry even more weight, given what Kotb has quietly walked away from and the personal journey she's embraced since.

As reported in May 2025, Kotb's departure from NBC's "Today" in January marked the end of a high-profile chapter and the beginning of a quieter, more meaningful one focused on family, wellness, and joy.

Over the past several months, Kotb embraced a vastly different lifestyle from her once-demanding television schedule. She replaced the early morning calls with mindful rituals that include waking up at 4:30 a.m., journaling, and meditation.

She walked her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 5, to school, spent time exploring new hobbies like tennis, and even launched a new business, Joy 101. The wellness company, which included an app, subscription newsletter, and live events, was dedicated to themes of meditation, joy, and mindfulness.

Yet Kotb emphasized that the small, everyday experiences transformed her the most. She described how much she loved watching her daughter sing "What a Wonderful World" at 9:15 a.m.

"It's really cool to just realize that there's so much more to life," she said. "I wasn't able to bear witness to my kids' daily lives because of what I was doing."

The decision to leave her television role was deeply rooted in her desire to be more available for her family, especially after Hope's serious health scare in early 2023. When Hope was hospitalized for more than a week with undisclosed symptoms, Kotb took a temporary leave from "Today" to be by her side.

After returning to her hosting duties, she told viewers, "My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week. I'm so grateful she's home." She also revealed that the experience was "really scary" while speaking to co-host Savannah Guthrie.

The truth finally came out when she told People that doctors had diagnosed Hope with type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that required constant care and insulin injections.

Following the diagnosis, Kotb took on the role of hands-on caregiver, often waking several times each night to check Hope’s blood sugar levels. "It's kind of constant care for Hope. We're monitoring her 24/7," she said.

The family initially managed up to five injections per day, though improved treatment methods have since reduced the frequency.

Despite the challenges, Kotb described Hope as a vibrant, joyful child. "She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid," she said. "Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her. I hope it shapes her but never defines her."

Kotb also noted that although her daughter's medical needs were a major factor, they weren't the sole reason behind her departure. The decision had been building for some time.

She first announced her plans to leave the show in September 2024, shortly after her birthday. During an emotional on-air segment, Kotb explained, "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new."