Sheinelle Jones Returns to ‘Today,’ Reflects on Colleagues’ Heartfelt Support During Husband’s Illness
After months away from the spotlight, Sheinelle Jones made her heartfelt return to the Today show on September 5, reconnecting with colleagues and viewers alike while sharing the personal journey she endured following the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh.
In an emotional interview with Savannah Guthrie, Jones opened up about the devastating impact of Ojeh’s aggressive brain cancer diagnosis and the love and support that carried her and her family through it. “You put the family on your shoulders, you carried him, you never lost that light in your eyes for him,” Guthrie said. “And he never lost that light in his eyes for you.”
Jones spoke candidly about the moments that kept her going. She shared touching examples of how her Today family rallied around her: Al Roker brought breakfast sandwiches to her children while they spent time with their father in hospice. Savannah Guthrie prayed with the family from the very first surgery. Craig Melvin sent uplifting texts, scripture, and praise-and-worship messages. Dylan Dreyer helped guide her through the darkest days of hospice. Jenna Bush Hager even sent “sweet treats” for the kids. Reflecting on the support, Jones said, “You guys have been my oxygen.”
Her return to the studio was filled with warm reunions and moments of appreciation. “I hope you felt how missed you were,” Guthrie told Jones. “It is just not the same without you, Sheinelle. You’re the heartbeat.”
Melvin, Dreyer, and Roker each shared their admiration for Jones’ resilience. Melvin described how viewers, too, had been reaching out with their own stories of grief, inspired by Jones’ journey. “You coming back sends a message to everyone who’s lost someone,” he said. “You put one foot in front of the other every day. A lot of people can relate to you on a different level now.”
Dreyer called Jones “such an inspiration,” while Roker emphasized her place in the Today family. “So many people came up and said how much they missed you. And we missed you because we didn’t feel complete here. You are a part of our family,” he said.
Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away in May after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The couple shared three children: 16-year-old Kayin and 13-year-old twins, Clara and Uche. Jones had been on an extended leave from the show since December 2024. Her return was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal moment, highlighting resilience, love, and the power of community in times of profound loss.
