Sheinelle Jones, a beloved co-host of the Today Show, was noticeably absent from the broadcast on Friday.

Her co-host, Dylan Dreyer, addressed her absence at the start of the program, reassuring viewers that Sheinelle was simply “enjoying the morning off.”

While Jones did not publicly disclose her plans for the day, it’s likely she was taking a well-deserved break ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

A Meaningful Message on Her Day Off

Though she wasn’t on-air, Jones remained active on social media, using her platform to raise awareness for an important cause.

She took to Instagram to highlight World Pancreatic Cancer Day, urging her followers to support research efforts and encourage early screenings.

Jones reshared a post from her NBC colleague, Dave Price, who wrote a heartfelt tribute in memory of his late brother, Steve, who passed away from pancreatic cancer four years ago. Sheinelle added her own message, writing, “Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day. To those who are fighting and to those friends I love who know the sting of this all too well… let’s do what we can to raise awareness, money for research and get screened.”

Her dedication to important causes like this is a defining aspect of her work outside of the newsroom. Jones often uses her voice to shed light on health and social issues, demonstrating her deep commitment to making a difference.

A Passion for Advocacy and Storytelling

Beyond her work on the Today Show, Jones has also ventured into documentary production. She served as an executive producer for Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret, a project that explores the challenges of fertility and the emotional journeys of those who experience it. This documentary reflects her passion for storytelling and her desire to bring awareness to topics that impact many people.

Family First: Sheinelle’s Life at Home

While she has a busy career, Sheinelle Jones also prioritizes her family life. She has been married to Uche Ojeh for several years, and together they share three children: their son Kayin and twins Uche and Clara. Though Jones tends to keep her children out of the public eye, she occasionally shares glimpses of her family life on social media.

In 2023, she made an exception when her children visited the Today Show studios for Bring Your Kids to Work Day. She documented the experience on social media, expressing how special it was for them to finally see her in action. “This is the first time my kiddos have seen me do the show in the studio!” she wrote at the time.

A Familiar Face on the Third Hour of Today

Sheinelle Jones has been a fixture on Today since she joined NBC News in 2014. In 2019, she officially became a co-host on the Third Hour of Today, winning over audiences with her warm presence and insightful storytelling. Over the years, she has taken on various roles within the network, covering everything from breaking news to human-interest stories that resonate with viewers.

Her absence on Friday came shortly after a series of programming changes on the show, but fans can rest assured that she will be back soon. Fellow co-hosts, including Craig Melvin, expressed their anticipation for her return.

Looking Ahead

As Sheinelle Jones takes time to recharge and spend quality moments with her loved ones, she continues to make an impact both on and off the screen. Whether she’s reporting the latest news, producing thought-provoking documentaries, or using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, Jones remains a respected and influential voice in media.

Her efforts to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer on her day off show her unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. Fans of Today can look forward to seeing her back on the show soon, where she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform audiences across the country.