BELOVED anchor Sheinelle Jones has revealed why she’s been missing from her spot on the Today Show for weeks.
Costars Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie wished her well after the elusive host finally explained her abrupt absence.
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Today Show host Sheinelle Jones has finally revealed why she’s been absent for weeksCredit: Getty
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Anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin wished her well at the start of Wednesday’s showCredit: NBC
At 8 am, as the Today Show aired, Sheinelle admitted she’s been taking some time off to deal with a family health issue in an emotional Instagram post.
She said she sincerely appreciated all of the concerned fans who reached out but stressed she would be back soon.
“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,” said the star host.
“Your kindness means so much to me.”
Sheinelle, 46, abruptly stopped anchoring Today on December 18 and hadn’t posted on social media since December 16.
She even missed Hoda Kotb’s final show on January 10 and failed to send in a video of herself saying goodbye.
But the beloved journalist will be back soon, and her costars can’t wait to see her.
On Wednesday’s show, Savannah said, “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too.”
Craig also encouraged his co-star to stay strong, saying, “We all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back. See you soon.”
Fans rushed to send their thoughts and prayers as they hoped for a quick recovery and return to the show.
Today makes big change to lineup after Hoda Kotb’s exit as fans ask ‘where is Sheinelle Jones-’
“Thank you so much for sharing about your situation wishing all the best for your family, and we look forward to seeing you soon,” one fan wrote.
Another follower said they were sending “so much love,” as another viewer wrote, “We miss you and your beautiful smile.”
“We love you Sheinelle,” commented the Today Show’s Instagram.
FUTURE OF TODAY
Sheinelle has amassed a huge fan base for her presence on the show, as she fills in for some of the biggest anchors.
The mom of three has been with the program for over a decade after she rose through the ranks of local news stations.
TODAY Show hosts
NBC’s Today show premiered in 1952 and has bidden viewers good morning every weekday since, adding Saturday and Sunday shows in the 1980s and 1990s. The show’s current host lineup includes:
Al Roker
Savannah Guthrie
Craig Melvin
Jenna Bush Hager
Carson Daly
Sheinelle Jones
Dylan Dreyer
Peter Alexander
Kristen Welker
Willie Geist
An industry insider who spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun even claimed that she was in the running to replace Hoda’s coveted 10 am spot with Jenna Bush Hager.
However, Craig has since taken over that spot and received an on-air blessing from the now-departed host that brought him to tears.
On his first day, Hoda wrote him a letter that said, “I’m moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand.
“The adventures are endless, the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year.
“Day one! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of.”
Sheinelle is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and she’s the daughter of senior US district judge Cardozie Darnell Jones II.
The star host is married to Uche Ojeh, who works as a consultant in New York City.
They have three children and are always enjoying family time together on Sheinelle’s Instagram.
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Jones said she’s dealing with a family health issue, but will be back to her hosting duties soonC
