Kathie Lee Gifford Reacts To Sheinelle Jones Crying On The First Episode Of ‘Today With Jenna & Sheinelle’: “You’re A Pretty Crier… Let’s Drink”
Today With Jenna & Sheinelle kicked off bright and early Monday morning with a literal passing of the torch.
Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford surprised Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones by running into the studio with a torch that looked a lot like a wine glass. Bush Hager and Jones, the new, permanent co-hosting duo of Today‘s fourth hour, were certainly surprised to say the least. Neither host could hold back their tears as the NBC icons made their grand entrance.
🎬 Get Free Netflix Logins
Claim your free working Netflix accounts for streaming in HD! Limited slots available for active users only.
- No subscription required
- Works on mobile, PC & smart TV
- Updated login details daily
“It’s really sweet,” Jones said through tears.
“Don’t ruin your makeup!” Gifford told Jones, the first of many comments Gifford made about Jones’ crying during the emotional segment as they celebrated this new era.
Monday’s broadcast marked the very first episode of the newly retitled Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. Jones will be taking over as a permanent co-host on the fourth hour of Today after Bush Hager spent the last year hosting a rotating panel of celebrity guests on Today With Jenna & Friends. Videos from behind the scenes show Jones calling this “one of the best days” of her life after what has been a difficult year for the NBC anchor, who lost her husband and her grandmother in 2025.
Kotb gushed over seeing her former co-host’s new partner in crime. “Can we just say how awesome you two look together? How amazing this day already is? Y’all look so sweet together,” she said.
Jones and Bush Hager gave credit to Kotb and Gifford for building “this institution” together.
“This is learning, by the way, at the seat of the master,” Kotb said on the show. “This is how it works, I learned from [Gifford] and then I was scared to go off on my own, and then I met [Bush Hager] and I was so proud the day you walked out. I’ll never forget it. And now you are welcoming [Jones] and it’s perfect.”
After Kotb later led the group in a toast celebrating “fun” and “sisterhood,” Jones admitted she going to “cry again,” prompting Gifford to try and comfort her in the most iconic way possible.
“But you know what, you’re a pretty crier,” she told Jones, prompting laughs around the studio. “Not everyone’s a pretty crier. But let’s drink.”
Today with Jenna & Sheinelle airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.
Let’s be honest—no matter how stressful the day gets, a good viral video can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s a funny pet doing something silly, a heartwarming moment between strangers, or a wild dance challenge, viral videos are what keep the internet fun and alive.