The ‘3rd Hour of Today’ co-host has not appeared on the NBC news program since Dec. 18
Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE. He has been working at the brand since 2016, and is the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book, Not All Diamonds and Rosé: The Inside Story of the Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(759x216:761x218):format(webp)/Sheinelle-Jones-011524-0b6b3286f4ab493a8181baa67f832f4e.jpg)
Sheinelle Jones. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty
Sheinelle Jones is opening up about what’s kept her away from the Today cameras.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the journalist — a co-host of 3rd Hour of Today alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer — shared an update on Instagram explaining her absence from the program.
“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,” Jones, 46, wrote.
“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,” she continued. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon”
She signed the post with a “Love, Sheinelle.”
Jones, who shares three kids with husband Uche Ojeh, did not provide any further information about the health matter. PEOPLE has reached out for comment.
Today Co-Host Sheinelle Jones’ ‘Family Health Matter’ Is ‘Serious,’ Source Says: ‘A Sensitive Time’ (Exclusive)
During the live Today broadcast, Melvin and Savannah Guthrie sent their love to Jones.
“We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her,” said Guthrie. “We miss her too.”
“Sheinelle, we all love you and are so looking forward to having you back,” noted Melvin.
“We’ll see you soon,” Guthrie said.
Craig Melvin Emotionally Reflects on Landing Today‘s Top Anchor Seat: ‘This Is a Gift and It’s Not Lost on Me’ (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(334x329:336x331):format(webp)/sheinelle-jones-savannah-guthrie-craig-melvin-today-011525-35f7032b30d44ce099c73d37f81c54ea.jpg)
Sheinelle Jones, Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin on ‘Today’ in March 2023. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
Jones first joined Today in 2014 and has consistently appeared across all of Today‘s programming, regularly filling in as co-anchor for Today and guest co-hosting on Today with Hoda & Jenna (now dubbed Today with Jenna & Friends).
She hasn’t appeared on a newToday broadcast since Dec. 18.
Fans have been vocal on social media, wondering about Jones’ absence especially after she missed Hoda Kotb’s farewell show on Jan. 10. The milestone appeared to bring out everyone from the Today family, including Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, Peter Alexander, Laura Jarrett, Willie Geist and frequent Today special contributor Maria Shriver.
Kathie Lee Gifford, Kotb’s former co-host, even made a surprise appearance.
Sheinelle Jones Teases New Book Is ‘My Love Letter to Moms’: ‘I Hope It’s Inspiring’ (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(697x182:699x184):format(webp)/sheinelle-jones-today-show-hosts-011525-49aada4746a945a7be3182725895e961.jpg)
Peter Alexander, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly, Laura Jarrett and Willie Geist pose at Rockefeller Plaza on Jan. 10 in honor of Kotb’s last day.NDZ/Star Max/GC Images
On Jan. 13, Melvin took over Kotb’s co-anchor role on Today. When the move was announced in November, Melvin revealed the kind advice Jones had given him.
“You and I had a great conversation yesterday that I needed,” Melvin told Jones live on air. “You’re like, ‘Today, just receive it.’ Because I don’t always do well with…”
Jones then chimed in: “Craig sometimes will be like, ‘Ah, blah, blah, blah.’ I was like, ‘Craig, this time, [relax].’”
“I’m excited, I’m honored, I’m humbled, I’m just all the things,” Melvin continued. “And I genuinely love working here, and we’re blessed to get to do these jobs, and, you know, just I love it. I love the people. I just, I enjoy it. I still pinch myself. And I love staying here too!”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Dylan-Dreyer-today-0523-d2db16fc48f44ad697abc3177fc2d1c2.jpg)
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Joking that Melvin would never leave, “the hour that makes him cry,” Jones said she is looking forward to continuing to work with him.
“I love the 3rd Hour,” Melvin said, and Jones replied, “We have a good thing.”
“You’re stuck with me,” he laughed. “I said to you a couple weeks ago, I’ve worked with you longer than anyone else in my career at this point.”
“So nutty,” Jones said.
The Today show airs weekdays (beginning at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.
News
Shockwaves across America: Donald Trump UNVEILS controversial election decision — Senate and House CLASH as deep divisions grip the nation
Donald Trump calls for sweeping election overhaul: paper ballots, voter ID, and proof of citizenship at the center of national debate In a move that has quickly ignited intense discussion across the United States, Donald Trump has called on governors…
FBI moves against judges accused of helping immigrants evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement — “no one is above the law” moment sparks national firestorm
FBI crackdown on judges accused of aiding ICE evasion sparks fierce national debate over law, power, and accountability A wave of decisive action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is sending shockwaves through America’s legal and political landscape, as reports…
In yet another fiery moment on the p0litical stage, Ilhan Omar has sparked backlash after launching a blunt personal attack on Pete Hegseth, labeling him “pretty pathetic” and an “embarrassment.” But instead of weakening her target, critics argue the remark has only exposed a deeper problem: a reliance on rhetoric over substance.
Ilhan Omar lashes out at Pete Hegseth — but critics say the attack reveals more about her than him In yet another fiery moment on the p0litical stage, Representative Ilhan Omar has sparked backlash after launching a blunt personal attack…
Marco Rubio drops a blunt warning on extremism — no more political correctness, no more hesitation, as his words ignite a fierce global debate over truth, security, and the future of freedom
Marco Rubio calls for clarity on extremism: confronting threats without fear or confusion In an era defined by complex global threats and rapidly shifting alliances, clarity in leadership has never been more important. Recent remarks from U.S. Secretary of State…
Karoline Leavitt SPARKS ‘LIVE CHAOS’ after reading Ilhan Omar record on-air — CNN panel FREEZES in “stunning silence”… or carefully edited viral moment? viewers DIVIDED as 11-second pause ignites firestorm over what REALLY happened
KAROLINE LEAVITT READS ILHAN OMAR’S RECORD ALOUD — AND CNN FALLS INTO STUNNING SILENCE… On live television, Karoline Leavitt methodically recited Rep. Ilhan Omar’s public record, line by line. No raised voice. No personal attacks. No theatrics. Just a steady…
“What On Earth Just Happened In That Hearing!” Senator John Kennedy GRILLS Chelsea Clinton Over 82 Million Dollar Financial Questions As Jaw Dropping Hearing Clips Go Viral And America Demands Transparency Like Never Before.v
Explosive Hearing Uncovers Alleged $82 Million Scandal, Rocking Washington and Igniting Nationwide Demands for Transparency and Accountability.. Iп a momeпt that electrified Capitol Hill aпd ricocheted across digital platforms withiп miпυtes, Seпator Johп Neely Keппedy υsed his allotted qυestioпiпg time dυriпg a…
End of content
No more pages to load
