Hoda Kotb Fills In on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle

Kotb returned to the hosts' desk alongside Jenna Bush Hager while Sheinelle Jones was in Los Angeles for an honor.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Divorce

Bright, empty morning-television studio with a curved white hosts' desk, two angled chairs, and a dark monitor wall softly out of focus behind. — Former co-host Hoda Kotb returned to the Today hosts' desk on November 9, 2026, filling in for Sheinelle Jones, who was honored at the EBONY Power 100 event in Los Angeles. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Hoda Kotb hosted Today With Jenna & Sheinelle on November 9, 2026, filling in for Sheinelle Jones, who was in Los Angeles to be honored at the EBONY Power 100 event. Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager reunited on set for the episode.

Why it matters

The fill-in marks Kotb's return to the Today hosts' desk two years after she left the show in January 2025 to spend more time with her children. It offers viewers a look at a familiar co-host lineup as Today continues its rotation of hosts.

The episode is a single-day guest appearance, with Kotb joining the hosts' desk for the November 9, 2026 broadcast. Whether this signals a broader return to Today remains unconfirmed.

The players

Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb is a longtime NBC News anchor who joined the network in 1998 and became a fixture of the Today show.

Jenna Bush Hager

Jenna Bush Hager is a Today co-host and author who has co-hosted the morning program alongside Kotb and others.

Sheinelle Jones

Sheinelle Jones is a Today co-host who returned to the program in September 2025 after months away following her husband's death.

The details

Kotb filled in for Sheinelle Jones, who was absent from the episode while being honored at the EBONY Power 100 event in Los Angeles. Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager reunited on set, recalling their years together on the morning program.

2007: Kotb became a member of the Today family.
2008 to 2019: Kotb hosted the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford.
September 2024: Kotb announced her departure from Today.
January 2025: Kotb celebrated her final day on Today.
November 9, 2026: Kotb hosted Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.

Big Picture

Kotb's guest turn echoes her earlier return to the desk this year, when she filled in for Savannah Guthrie on Today.

Viewers who follow Today can expect to see Kotb in the hosts' seat on occasion while the rotation continues. The appearance gives fans a familiar face on the morning program during scheduling changes.

The takeaway

Hosting rotations on daily programs often rely on former co-hosts to fill gaps, offering continuity for viewers. Kotb's return shows how familiar faces can smooth transitions on live television.