Less than a week after Hoda Kotb’s emotional departure from the Today show, another beloved co-host has stepped forward to explain their absence from the morning program.
Sheinelle Jones, a familiar face on 3rd Hour Today since 2019, took to Instagram to share a deeply personal reason for her time away from the show.
Sheinelle Jones Addresses Her Absence
On January 15, Jones posted a heartfelt message to her followers, revealing that she has been taking time off due to a family health emergency.
Though she did not go into detail about the situation, she expressed immense gratitude for the support she has received.
“Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote.
“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.”
While Sheinelle did not specify the nature of the health issue, a source close to the journalist told People that it does not involve her personally or her three children. She and her husband, Uche Ojeh, share 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche Jr.
Support from the ‘Today’ Family
Sheinelle’s emotional message was met with an outpouring of love from her Today show co-hosts, past and present. Hoda Kotb, who recently retired from Today after 18 years, responded with a touching message: “We love you ….. you are being held….. you are family xoxo.”
Savannah Guthrie also showed her support, commenting, “We love you so. Not the same without you. We will see you soon ❤️.” Jenna Bush Hager, who hosts Today with Jenna & Friends, added, “You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always ❤️.”
Carson Daly, another Today co-host, kept his message simple but heartfelt, posting three red heart emojis.
A Career Filled with Milestones
Jones has been an integral part of Today since she joined Weekend Today in 2014. In 2019, she became a permanent co-host of 3rd Hour Today, where her warmth, enthusiasm, and engaging storytelling have made her a fan favorite.
Her career, however, hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, Sheinelle underwent surgery to remove lesions from her vocal cords. The procedure required her to remain silent for two weeks, and she took a six-week break from Today to recover. Despite the setback, she made a triumphant return, continuing to bring her signature energy to the show.
Excitement Builds for Sheinelle’s Debut Book
Despite her recent time away from the screen, Sheinelle has a major milestone on the horizon—her first book, Through Mom’s Eyes: Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans, is set to be released on April 15, 2025.
The book, inspired by a recurring segment on Today, delves into the wisdom of mothers who have raised some of the world’s most successful celebrities. Among those featured are the mothers of Lady Gaga, Matthew McConaughey, Venus and Serena Williams, Tyra Banks, Mark Wahlberg, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, the Jonas Brothers, and Donnie Wahlberg.
Jones also draws from her own parenting experiences, offering insight into the lessons she has learned as a mother. In an interview with People in August 2024, she opened up about how the stories of these strong mothers resonated with her, even during her own personal struggles.
“Even while I was writing this, there were times that were really tough,” she shared. “I would be writing a chapter with Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mom, and she talked about alcoholism. And I’m going through my own thing, and I’m like, ‘You know what? She was able to push through that, and motherhood didn’t stop.’”
Sheinelle hopes that readers will find the book both inspiring and relatable. “I think you’ll find a thread at the end of this book. I hope it’s inspiring. I hope people laugh a little bit. They may shed a tear or two, but ultimately, it’s my love letter to moms.”
Looking Ahead
As Sheinelle takes the time she needs to focus on her family, she remains surrounded by love and support from her Today show colleagues and fans. While her absence is deeply felt on the show, her message of gratitude assures viewers that she will return when the time is right.
With her book’s release on the horizon and a strong foundation of support behind her, Sheinelle Jones continues to make an impact both on and off the screen. Fans eagerly await her return, knowing that when she does, she’ll bring the same passion and warmth that have made her a beloved presence on Today.
