It’s been four months since Sheinelle Jones last appeared on Today. While the 47-year-old shared in January that she was taking time off to deal with a “family health matter,” she’s been silent on social media ever since.
The comments of Sheinelle’s Instagram posts are packed with messages from concerned fans, asking when she’ll be back. While Sheinelle hasn’t shared anything since her last update, her colleagues just gave a little more insight into what’s going on.
During a launch event for the new cookbook Today Loves Food, Dylan Dryer told Entertainment Tonight that she is in frequent contact with her co-host. “A week doesn’t go by where we’re not checking in, seeing how she’s doing,” she said. “We pray for her all the time. We can’t wait for her to come back, so we’re just waiting for that day to come.”
When that day will come is still up in the air, according to Carson Daly. “I don’t know anything about when or a timeline, but we are always thinking about her…and wish her well,” he said. “There’s so much love going out to her.”
Added Al Roker: “We’re so grateful to all the fans and viewers who have been praying for her and praying for her family. We’re just taking it one day at a time.”
Here’s what Sheinelle has revealed about her absence, plus what’s next for her.
What happened to Sheinelle Jones?
Details are still a little vague, but on January 15, Sheinelle revealed that she’s navigating a “family health matter.”
“I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter,” she said in an Instagram post. “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not on 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.”
The comments of Sheinelle’s post were flooded with messages of support from friends and Today colleagues.
“So much love to you,” actress Selma Blair wrote. “You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always ❤️” fellow Today host Jenna Bush Hager added.
During that day’s Today broadcast, co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin shouted out their colleague. “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her,” Savannah said. “We miss her too.”
“Sheinelle, we all love you and are so looking forward to having you back,” Craig added. Savannah noted that fans would see Sheinelle back “soon.”
Sheinelle hasn’t posted on social media since then.
Did Sheinelle Jones have surgery?
No, Sheinelle did not have surgery. However, she needed to take a leave of absence from work when she had vocal cord surgery back in 2020.
At the time, Sheinelle told People that she had to avoid talking for three weeks to let her vocal cords heal.
Who is in Sheinelle Jones’ family?
Sheinelle is married to business consultant Uche Ojeh, and the couple has three children together: 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche. A source told People that Sheinelle’s current situation is “serious” but doesn’t involve Sheinelle’s husband or three children.
“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” the source told the magazine. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”
Sheinelle was originally set to release a book about parenting, called Through Mom’s Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans, in April. But that release date has been pushed back to October, according to Amazon.
Through Mom’s Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans
Rooting for you, Sheinelle!
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
link