Sheinelle Jones Recalls Being Told to Change Herself Early in Career

The Today co-host was asked to alter her name and appearance when starting out in TV news.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sheinelle Jones, the new co-host of the fourth hour of Today with Jenna Bush Hager, revealed that early in her career she was pressured by a manager to change her name and appearance. Jones said the manager wanted her to spell her first name as "Chanel" and to style her hair like Halle Berry, but Jones refused both requests, staying true to her own identity. Despite the pushback, Jones went on to build a successful career in TV news, joining the Today show in 2014 and becoming a co-host of the third hour in 2019 before taking on her new role alongside Bush Hager.

Why it matters

Jones' experience highlights the challenges that women, and especially women of color, can face in the television industry when it comes to conforming to narrow beauty standards and expectations. Her willingness to stand her ground and maintain her authentic self serves as an inspiring example for others seeking to forge their own path in a competitive field.

The details

During an episode of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Jones recalled that one of her first managers in the TV industry asked her to change the spelling of her first name from "Sheinelle" to "Chanel." The manager also showed Jones a photo of Halle Berry's short hairstyle and requested that Jones adopt a similar look, saying they wanted her to "look more like Halle Berry." However, Jones refused both requests, deciding to stay true to her own name and appearance.

  • Jones joined the Today show family as a Weekend Today co-anchor in 2014.
  • She became a co-host of the third hour of Today in 2019.
  • Jones took nearly a year off from Today in 2025 due to her husband's private battle with brain cancer.
  • Jones returned to Today in September 2025 and was announced as Bush Hager's new co-host in December 2025.
  • Today With Jenna & Sheinelle relaunched on January 12, 2026.

The players

Sheinelle Jones

The new co-host of the fourth hour of Today, who previously worked as a reporter and morning anchor for news stations in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania before joining the Today show family in 2014.

Jenna Bush Hager

The co-host of the fourth hour of Today, who joined the show in 2019 and now co-hosts the relaunched Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I remember my first job in the business … one of my managers called me in their office, and they said two things. '1. Your name is Sheinelle. Can you please change your spelling?' And I was like, 'No,'”

— Sheinelle Jones

“The other one, they were like, 'Full disclosure,' she was like, 'We just want you to look more like Halle Berry.' So, she showed me this picture of Halle Berry's haircut, and that was when she had, like, that short [hair]do. And my little chunky face, I was like, 'No.'”

— Sheinelle Jones

The takeaway

Sheinelle Jones' experience of being asked to change her name and appearance early in her career serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges women, especially women of color, can face in the television industry when it comes to conforming to narrow beauty standards. Her willingness to stay true to herself and forge her own path is an inspiring example for others seeking to build successful careers while maintaining their authentic identities.