Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb make surprise appearance on ‘Today with Jenna & Sheinelle’ premiere with symbolic wine torch
The premiere of “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle” brought tears, laughter and an unexpected reunion on Monday morning. As Sheinelle Jones officially joined Jenna Bush-Hager for their first show together, two familiar faces emerged with a symbolic gesture that honored the fourth hour’s storied history.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb appeared with an oversized wine glass filled with fake flames, dubbing it the wine torch. The moment carried special significance, as both women previously co-hosted different versions of Today’s fourth hour before Jones stepped into the role.
Tearful celebration marks new chapter for Today
The surprise appearance left both Bush-Hager and Jones visibly emotional as Kotb addressed the new co-hosts directly. She praised how they looked together and celebrated what the day already represented for the show’s evolution.
Jones wiped away tears while acknowledging Gifford’s pioneering role in creating the fourth-hour format. Gifford responded with characteristic humor, quipping about Kelly Ripa’s whereabouts. The exchange highlighted the camaraderie among women who have shaped morning television over the decades.
Jones reflected on her previous experiences filling in for Kotb during past iterations of the show, sharing a lighthearted comment about finally having representation in the hosting chair. The four women raised glasses of rosé from Gifford’s GIFFT brand, with Gifford encouraging viewers at home to lift their wine alongside them. She also complimented Jones for being a pretty crier, bringing levity to the emotional moment.
Fourth hour’s wine-drinking legacy continues
The wine torch gesture referenced a beloved tradition from Gifford and Kotb’s tenure together. “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda” became famous for morning antics that frequently included wine drinking, establishing a relaxed atmosphere that differentiated the fourth hour from earlier programming.
Kotb co-hosted alongside Gifford before transitioning to “Today with Hoda & Jenna” with Bush-Hager in 2019. That partnership lasted until Kotb’s departure in January 2025. The mother of two chose to step away from her Today role to spend more time with daughters Haley Joy, 9, and Hope Catherine, 6, while also focusing on her wellness app, Joy 101.
Kotb’s wisdom helped prepare Jones for new role
When Jones’s permanent co-hosting position was announced in December, Kotb reached out immediately with advice. Jones revealed that Kotb told her to simply listen during their phone call before sharing 45 seconds of wisdom that profoundly impacted her perspective.
Kotb predicted that Jones would eventually give graduation speeches referencing this career moment as transformative. She assured Jones that working with Bush-Hager would exceed expectations and benefit both her professionally and personally, especially regarding her children. The encouraging words came at a crucial time as Jones prepared for the significant career transition.
Gifford last appeared on Today during Kotb’s January 2025 exit. She explained her initial hesitancy about returning to daytime television after 15 years with Regis Philbin, but said her feelings changed because she fell in love with Kotb. The bond between fourth hour hosts clearly extends beyond professional relationships.
Jones embraces new role after difficult year
Bush-Hager selected Jones after an extensive search that brought 60 guest hosts to the chair beside her, including Scarlett Johansson, Olivia Munn and Dwyane Wade. Bush-Hager, who initially felt nervous about finding the right partner, recognized Jones as the ideal match.
Bush-Hager praised Jones’s three decades of journalism experience and her willingness to share openly. She values Jones’s authentic approach to discussing both beautiful and heartbreaking aspects of life, qualities that will shape the show’s direction.
The past 18 months brought profound challenges for Jones. Her husband, Uche Ojeh, died of glioblastoma in May 2025 at age 45. On New Year’s Eve, Jones’s grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, died. Despite the devastating losses, Jones shared on Instagram that she’s reached her heartbreak quota and hopes 2026 brings only sunshine and rainbows.
Jones, 47, acknowledged that she cannot help but be changed by recent experiences. She looks forward to exploring new aspects of herself through this role, describing it as flexing a different muscle. Bush-Hager emphasized that getting to play together will be fun, while Jones noted that despite having a rundown and plan, the show simply rolls once they sit down together.
The premiere marked both an ending and a beginning for “Today’s” fourth hour, honoring its wine-soaked past while embracing a future shaped by two hosts ready to create their own memorable moments.
Story credit: USATODAY