INSIDER SCOOP: Sheinelle Jones Set to Step In and Permanently Fill Hoda Kotb’s Role as Co-Host with Jenna Bush Hager on Today Following Her Family Break – Bold Shift Verified!

Sheinelle Jones from Today is on track to step in permanently for Hoda Kotb as Jenna Bush Hager’s partner once she wraps up her family leave.

A source close to the matter shared exclusively with The U.S. Sun that NBC leaders have selected a lasting stand-in for Hoda, 60, in the show’s fourth segment – though the switch is paused for now.

[Image description: Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager sharing a warm hug on the Today set.]

Sheinelle Jones is slated for the reveal as Hoda Kotb’s successor next to Jenna Bush Hager in Today’s fourth hour. Credit: Getty

[Image description: Sheinelle Jones, Jenna Bush Hager, and Hoda Kotb posing together at a public gathering.]

Jenna has been teaming up with various high-profile stand-ins for the fourth hour lately, yet the program anticipates unveiling Sheinelle as Hoda’s full-time successor. Credit: Getty

The insider asserted that Sheinelle, 46, “is locked in for the role,” but stressed no public word until her time off concludes.

She’s been off the air from Today starting in December, keeping a low profile online too.

Sheinelle popped up on Instagram just once, on January 15, to share an update on managing a “personal family health issue.”

The crew at the morning program “has rallied around” the popular reporter amid her private challenges, the source emphasized.

The tipster noted that although Sheinelle secured the position, Jill Martin – a key lifestyle expert on Today – pushed strongly for the opportunity as well.

On the flip side, top brass at the network drew a key insight from elevating news anchor Craig Melvin to Hoda’s spot as a more hard-news partner with Savannah Guthrie, a move that apparently shaped their pick for Sheinelle.

“Viewership with Craig is strong. It showed the bosses that viewers prefer familiar faces and internal rises,” the insider explained.

Sheinelle fits the bill ideally since she’s a veteran in the field, while Jenna brings a fresher perspective to anchoring.

“They require a talent who can cue segments smoothly, one versed in the nuances of broadcast production, and Sheinelle delivers expertise,” the source remarked.

The U.S. Sun contacted Today for a response.

Supporters of Today urge the series to bring on a ‘witty’ celebrity fill-in as Hoda Kotb’s permanent stand-in paired with Jenna Bush Hager

Right now, the fourth hour of Today goes by Jenna & Friends, featuring a fresh famous guest partner weekly or even more often.

Jenna has shared hosting duties in her slot with big names like Scarlett Johansson, Amy Poehler, and Ciara since Hoda stepped away in January.

Viewers keep wondering when NBC will lock in a steady co-host, with one fan insisting Jenna “deserves a veteran teammate.”

SHEINELLE’S TIME AWAY As The U.S. Sun covered earlier, supporters puzzled over Sheinelle’s whereabouts after she skipped Hoda’s send-off episode on January 10 entirely.

The presenter skipped sending even a taped goodbye message to Hoda.

On the January 15 broadcast, the Today team opened up further about their missing team member’s situation.

“We realize tons of you have wondered about Sheinelle and felt her absence, and trust us, we feel it deeply,” Savannah shared live.

Craig chimed in too: “We adore you, and we’re counting the days until you’re here again. Catch you shortly.”

Audience members voiced thanks for the info and flooded Sheinelle’s Instagram with warm wishes and support.

“Can’t wait for your comeback,” one supporter posted.

A different admirer added: “Missing your radiant energy and grin.”

The official Today Show Instagram jumped in, posting, “Sending all our love, Sheinelle.”