Sheinelle Jones was conspicuously missing from the Today show’s third hour late last week. The co-host’s continued absence on Monday, January 13, led to growing concerns among fans amid rumors of potential changes at the network. On Wednesday morning, however, Jones, 46, addressed the situation on Instagram, explaining that she was away due to a family health issue and needed to prioritize her loved ones during this time.
The broadcast journalist wrote in the post for her 44K followers: “Hi everybody….I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show.” Jones continued: “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”
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Sheinelle Jones Shares the Reason Behind Her ‘Today’ Hiatus: ‘Taking Time’ for a ‘Family Health Matter’
She went on: “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. Love, Sheinelle.” Jones’ co-star and colleague Savannah Guthrie read her statement on Today during Wednesday’s broadcast.
Guthrie, 53, explained to viewers: “We want to share some news here about our friend Sheinelle. We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her and we miss her too.”
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Craig Melvin also sweetly chimed in: "We all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back." Beneath Jones' recent IG post, her fans and famous friends left words of support.
Guthrie commented: "We love you so. not the same without you. we will see you soon." Fellow Today star Jenna Bush Hager noted: "You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always." Hoda Kotb, who recently bid adieu to the show, chimed in: "We love you ….. you are being held….. you are family xoxo."
One fan added: "We love and miss you on the show, Sheinelle. But we understand family first. Love and prayers to you and your family. We can’t wait to see you on the show again soon." An additional user penned: "Missing your presence on the show; prayers to you and your family!"
Jones, an alumna of the prestigious Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, began her tenure with Today in 2014. Prior to this, the mom of three (who shares kids Kayin, 15, and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche with her husband Uche Ojeh) spent almost ten years at Fox 29 News in Philadelphia, where she co-anchored the morning program Good Day Philadelphia with local broadcaster Mike Jerrick.
