“Jenna & Friends” has found a permanent pal.

Sheinelle Jones , the “Today” veteran who has gained notice over the years by co-anchoring the weekend and 9 a.m. weekday editions of the NBC News morning franchise, will become the permanent co-host at 10 a.m. with Jenna Bush Hager , according to two people familiar with the matter. Jones is expected to join Bush Hager live at 10 a.m. Tuesday to announce the new arrangement formally to viewer, according to one of these people.

NBC News declined to make executives or hosts available for comment. Talia Parkinson-Jones, the hour’s executive producer, is expected to remain in that role. Jones will begin appearing as co-host starting January 12, and is likely to continue to appear during earlier “Today” hours.

NBC is betting that Jones’ warm

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