Sheinelle Jones Faces Heartbreaking New Normal After Husband’s Tragic Passing at 45—A Glimpse into Her Private Grief
Sheinelle Jones’ husband Uche Ojeh died last month aged 45(Image: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Sheinelle Jones’ Today and NBC family are doing their best to support her as she comes to terms with the new normal of life without her husband.
Last month, it was announced that the TV star’s husband, Uche Ojeh, had died at the age of 45, after a secret battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The Third Hour anchor, 47, had taken some time away from the air to tend to her late husband during his deteriorating health while also supporting their three children, Kayin, Uche and Clara.
While speaking at City of Hope’s 2025 Spirit of Life Awards, Today’s lifestyle contributor Jill Martin and former Fourth Hour co-anchor Kathie Lee Gifford expressed condolences and a tender tribute to their friend and colleague.
Jill, 49, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, got tearful as she recalled Uche’s special personality and the close bond he and Sheinelle shared as a couple.
Today’ show co-host Sheinelle Jones and her husband Uche Ojeh(Image: INSTAGRAM)
“Uche and I were very close,” Jill gushed during a conversation with HELLO!, adding, “We went through treatment at the same time,” with Kathie Lee, 71, comforting her. “I’m beyond heartbroken,” she continued.
“We’re just all, as a Today family and as a universe, giving her the space and the time to heal, and for the kids to just adjust to the new normal.” Jill then labeled Uche “magic,” before adding, “I am so blessed to be able to call him a dear friend.”
Kathie Lee explained that while she didn’t know him as well, he had a “1000 watt smile, which is just so ingratiating,” and took the time to show her support for Sheinelle herself.
“Sheinelle is just a precious girl,” she went on, noting, “We all love her there…and we don’t love everybody!”
She also wanted to pay a tribute to the couple at the City of Hope gala in Uche’s memory as well, telling attendees, “I just want to say that Sheinelle is mourning and she is the most incredible wife and mother and warrior.
“So I honor her and Uche today as well, and share it with them,” with the pair adding that they had a “beautiful” relationship and marriage.”
The news of Uche’s passing was announced live on Today on Friday, May 23, with anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager coming together to pay tribute to him.
“There are no words for the pain that we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children,” Savannah said, adding, “Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him… We just want to say Sheinelle, Kayin, Uche and Clara and the Ojeh family: we are with you, we love you. You are our family and we’re just sending all of our love to you right now.”
“He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud,” Craig added. “He was that dad that was on the sideline of every soccer game. He was at all of the concerts and the recitals. He was that guy.”
The Today Show crew also showed support for Sheinelle at Uche’s funeral over the weekend. The TV stars looked somber as they said their final goodbyes.
