Sheinelle Jones replaced Hoda Kotb as Jenna Bush Hager’s co-host on the Today Show‘s fourth hour. They previously worked together many times on the morning program. However, their relationship reportedly changed after Sheinelle Jones was promoted. Their rift backstage has allegedly grown amid “resentment.” Keep reading for more details on the situation.
Jenna Bush Hager Wanted To Choose Co-Host
Jenna Bush Hager almost didn’t accept the offer to join the Today Show as a correspondent. At the time, she had a successful teaching career, but was struggling amid the growing demands amid a shortage of educators. She finally accepted an interview with the NBC show after her encouragement from her famous grandparents.
She worked her way up the ranks for years before replacing Kathie Lee Gifford as Hoda Kotb’s co-host on the show’s fourth hour. When Hoda Kotb took a step back from the Today Show in 2025, the network couldn’t decide on a replacement.
A rotating guest list of comedians, reporters, and even movie stars filled the void until a decision was made. Sheinelle Jones, who co-hosted the show’s third hour, was eventually named Hoda Kotb’s permanent replacement. But according to an insider, Jenna Bush Hager wasn’t happy with it.
“In Jenna’s mind, this is her franchise now, and she didn’t think the final call should’ve been made without her full input,” the source told The U.S. Sun.
Another source told the outlet that Sheinelle Jones doesn’t view her co-host as the face of the show. “She absolutely does not see herself as second place to anyone. But backstage, Jenna sees Sheinelle more as support than an equal partner,” the insider claimed.
Today Hosts Rift Grows Amid ‘Resentment’
The alleged tension between Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager has affected the crew backstage. “Jenna’s ambitions are much bigger than just the fourth hour,” a third source spilled.
That reportedly doesn’t sit right with the staffers who believe she only got the job because of her last name. “There’s still resentment from some staffers who feel Jenna got an incredible opportunity despite having very little television experience at the beginning,” the insider shared.
Viewers See The Tension On Camera
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones are professionals and keep their personal issues with each other off camera. However, despite their best efforts, some viewers are convinced the tension is palpable on the morning program. Fans of the Today Show took to Reddit to react to The Sun‘s report of a rift.
- “Sounds like JBH is the problem to me!”
- “Maybe if they didn’t just pick someone on the payroll and give other people (who auditioned) a real shot, this wouldn’t be going on.”
- “I don’t believe a word of this.”
- “Jenna seems like she would be a terror to work with day to day.”
- “I don’t see any of the “tension” and “bad chemistry.”
The Today hosts portray themselves as close friends both on and off camera. However, viewers and insiders say otherwise. Share your thoughts in the comments.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger