Update: May 27, 2025:
On May 23, the Today cast gathered together to say goodbye to one of the most important people in Sheinelle Jones' life.
Sharing the news on the NBC morning show, it was announced that Sheinelle's husband Uche Ojeh died at age 45 from a form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Married since September 2007, Uche left behind Sheinelle and their three children: Kayin, Uche and Clara.
"With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma," Savannah Guthrie said during the broadcast. "There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life."
Update: April 16, 2025:
Sheinelle Jones first made her debut on the Today show in 2014, and she has since become a face folks look forward to seeing every morning.
While she frequently chimes in on stories alongside Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and her other co-stars, over the last few months, fans are aware she hasn't been appearing alongside them on TV. In fact, Sheinelle has been absent from Today since December 19, 2024 (per People), leaving viewers wondering about why she isn't on the air.
So, what is going on and where is Sheinelle Jones on the Today show in 2025? Well, she gave details about why she's been absent — and it's for a reason that has her Today family continuing to rally around her months after her unexpected departure.
Why isn't Sheinelle Jones on the Today show?
While viewers may be aware Sheinelle stepped away from Today to tend to a family health matter, some of her fellow cast members did give an important update on her wellbeing in April 2025.
When Craig Melvin, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer spoke to Access Hollywood, the trio revealed she does have plans to eventually return to the Today show. But more importantly, they stated how they're in constant communication with her and have her in their thoughts throughout her absence.
"Just talked to her a couple of days ago," Craig revealed in a clip posted on YouTube. "She's taking some time to be with her family, and we talk to her all the time. We love our girl. It's been nice to see how much everyone loves her, too."
"We're just praying for her," Al added.
"She wishes she was here with us, but she's doing what she needs to do and she'll be back," Dylan agreed.
As fans may remember in January 2025, Sheinelle went on Instagram to explain she needed to take time away from the cameras to deal with a personal matter involving her loved ones.
"Hi everybody ... I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I've been absent from the show," she wrote in the message. "I want to share with you that I'm taking time to deal with a family health matter. It's not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I'll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle ❤️."
After Sheinelle posted her note online, it didn't take long before she received a round of support from her Today show co-anchors.
"You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always ❤️," Jenna Bush Hager wrote in the comments. "We love you so. Not the same without you. We will see you soon ❤️," Savannah Guthrie replied. "We love you ….. you are being held ….. you are family xoxo," her former cast member Hoda Kotb added.
While Sheinelle didn't disclose which family member is going through a health crisis, sources told People at the time it didn't involve her three children she shares with husband Uche Ojeh: sons Kayin and Uche and daughter Clara.
We're sending Sheinelle and her family well wishes.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
