Sheinelle Jones, a co-host on NBC’s “Today,” recently announced that she is taking a temporary leave from the show to focus on a family health issue, triggering a surge of internet attention.
Jones made his statement during the Wednesday, January 15, 2025, episode of “Today.” Savannah Guthrie delivered a poignant reading of Jones’s initial Instagram upload.
Jones wrote in her letter to her followers, “Hello everyone… I sincerely appreciate everyone who has contacted me during my absence from the program. I’d like to inform you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health issue.
She then thanked her colleagues and viewers for their ongoing support, saying, “It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have not just the support of my Today Show family but also all of you. Your kindness means a lot to me. I will see you shortly. “Love, Sheinelle. ❤️️”
Following the announcement, Jones’ co-hosts conveyed their best wishes and support for her. “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her, too,” Guthrie told the audience on broadcast.
Craig Melvin said, “Sheinelle, we all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back.” Guthrie said, “We’ll see you soon.”
Although Jones has opted not to provide specifics regarding the family health issue, a source close to her told People that it is “serious.”
However, the source added that Jones’ health concerns do not include herself or her three children, 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche, whom she shares with her husband, Uche Ojeh.
An insider reports that Sheinelle is grateful for the support she has received from fans and viewers during her absence. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and co-hosts for all their love during a sensitive time.”
Viewers and colleagues alike have sent their love and prayers for Jones. “11th Hour” presenter Stephanie Ruhle wrote: “We miss you.” You’re adored. I’m sending you prayers and positive vibes.”
One user said, “Oh, Sheinelle! We’ve been so scared! Thank you for posting. I’m sorry to hear about the health situation. My pals and I are Today Show junkies, and we have missed you. We knew something was awry when you skipped Hoda’s final day. We’ll be sending you so much wonderful energy! Take care. ❤️️”
Another remarked, “You are greatly missed. I hope everything works out for your family. Others sent similar sincere messages. “You’ve got our prayers!” One person prayed that Jesus’ peace and comfort surround you.
“We were obviously scared. I’m glad you sent this post. “Prayers are with you,” said another. “I’m really scared about you. “You and your family are in my thoughts,” one admirer said, and another added, “I miss you! I apologize for what your family is going through!”
The messages continued to pour in, with many expressing worry and support. Another well-wisher said, “I’m sending you so many prayers. I’m glad something was finally stated. I’ve been concerned, and I assume I’ll have to keep being concerned. I hope everything goes smoothly very soon.”
Jones has been a key member of the NBC News team since 2014, where she co-hosts the “3rd Hour of Today.” Jones has covered a variety of breaking news events, interviewed well-known personalities, and generated compelling human-interest stories throughout her career.
In addition to her job on “Today,” Jones leads the internet series “Through Mom’s Eyes,” in which she interviews celebrity mothers about their unique experiences raising successful children.
She also broadcasts a monthly health show on Peacock TV and the Sirius XM radio show “Off the Rails” with fellow Today co-hosts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer.
Jones also presents “Wild Child,” an award-winning educational show that airs on NBC’s “The More You Know” family programming.
Online viewers first noticed the 46-year-old news anchor’s absence on January 13, 2025, when Melvin co-anchored his first “Today” broadcast with Savannah Guthrie.
While some were relieved to see Melvin in his new role, others questioned Jones’ whereabouts, as he appeared to have missed Hoda Kotb’s goodbye party.
The “Today” show commemorated the start of Guthrie and Melvin’s collaboration as co-anchors with a joyful Instagram post featuring a lovely, behind-the-scenes encounter between the two.
In the film, Guthrie and Melvin were preparing for their first show together on Monday morning while seated at the iconic glass-top desk in Studio 1A, exchanging a spirited high-five.
The lighthearted atmosphere between the co-anchors was evident, with both wearing huge smiles and emitting genuine enthusiasm for the next show.
Overlaid on top of the video are the words “Let’s do this!” which emphasize their eagerness to begin this new chapter.
Melvin looked smart in a traditional blue suit with a fresh white shirt and a light gold tie, while Guthrie dressed appropriately for the occasion in a lively fuchsia dress.
Brilliant lights and magnificent floral arrangements covered the studio background, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that was fitting for such a special day.
The image, along with Jumbo’s bouncy song “Good Morning,” wonderfully captured the duo’s new enthusiasm at the event. “Today’s” official Instagram page captioned the image, “Savannah and Craig’s first week as co-anchors,” with the hashtag “#TodayShow.”
Fans’ anxious comments about Jones’ absence from the show quickly overshadowed Melvin’s joyful tweet.
“Congrats, Craig! Also, where is Sheinelle?!? One Instagrammer expressed her longing for Sheinelle, while another echoed the sentiment. “So thrilled for Craig. Really. But where is Shenielle [sic]???
Someone else responded to this statement, saying, “She’s been missing for weeks with no explanation.” Even with a recorded message, Hodas’ send-off went unnoticed. We’re worried.
An observer expressed alarm, writing, “Something is not right with the #TodayShow and the absence of Sheinelle Jones.” Her disappearance without explanation is really strange. “@SheinelleJones, I hope she’s okay.” “What happened to Sheinelle on @TheTodayShow????” asked someone else.
Another netizen requested, “@TODAYshow, could you please tell us where Sheinelle Jones is?” Sheinelle Jones’ absence from #Hoda K’s farewell is unusual.
A viewer commented on Kotb’s departure party, “I loved the HODA bration [sic] but really wondered why Sheinelle Jones wasn’t among the cast.”
Two months before missing Kotb’s departure party and Monday morning’s broadcast, Jones turned to Instagram to send a sincere congratulations post about Melvin’s new job.
The post included many photos of Jones, Melvin, Kotb, Guthrie, and other “Today” co-hosts Hager and Carson Daly sharing a toast on set, oozing friendship and delight.
In her remark, Jones referred to Melvin as her “little bro” and expressed her satisfaction and excitement at watching him take on his new job alongside Guthrie. She talked about their years working together, emphasizing their common history and strong friendship.
“If you’ve watched us over the last decade, you can tell that we’re all pretty close,” wrote Jones, before disclosing that she and Melvin went to MC Hammer gigs as children (separately).
Jones’ comment followed with a heartfelt perspective on Melvin’s journey. “I couldn’t be happier for Craig; when they formally named him this morning, I couldn’t help but get a little teary—because I know how hard he’s worked. Love you, @craigmelvinnbc! Congratulations!!!! 🍾🎉🎈🎊,” said Jones.
Craig Melvin, like Jones, has made it obvious that his relationship with her goes beyond the boundaries of the “Today” studio.
The show depicted Melvin and Jones as “longtime friends” in a November 2024 video.
In the video, the two had a moving conversation about their years of collaboration and the advice Jones gave Melvin when it became clear he would be co-anchoring with Guthrie.
Melvin remembers that Jones, overwhelmed by the significant professional change, delivered supportive comments. “You and I had a wonderful talk yesterday, which I needed. “You were like, ‘Today, just receive it,'” Melvin explained.
The footage highlighted the pair’s comfortable friendliness and lengthy relationship, with Melvin joking that Jones was now “stuck” working with him for the third hour part. He opened up: “I said to you a couple weeks ago, I’ve worked with you longer than anyone else in my career at this point [sic].”
Sheinelle Jones’ choice to leave her career displays her commitment to her family at a difficult moment. Spectators and coworkers continue to demonstrate their support, eagerly anticipating her homecoming.