'Today' Co-hosts Give an Update on Sheinelle Jones amid Her Ongoing Absence

The 46-year-old shared a statement in early January 2025, expressing gratitude for the kindness from fans.

Sheinelle Jones has been noticeably absent from the "Today" show since mid-December 2024, leaving many viewers concerned and curious about her well-being. Now, her co-hosts are offering a glimpse into how she's been doing.

On Friday, April 11, Jones' co-hosts Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer shared a reassuring update about her status during the NBC morning broadcast.

"I just talked to her a couple days ago, she's taking some time to be with her family and we talk to her all the time and we love our girl. It's been nice to see how much everyone else loves her too," Melvin said in a chat with Access Hollywood’s Emily Orozco.

Roker added his own supportive message, "We're just praying for her." Meanwhile, Dreyer confirmed that Jones is expected to return, "She misses being here. She wishes she was here with us, but she's doing what she needs to do and she'll be back."

Jones last appeared on the talk show on December 18, 2024, and has since only been seen in pre-recorded segments. On January 15, she addressed her absence in an Instagram post, "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."

The broadcaster acknowledged how fortunate she felt to have the support of both her "Today" show colleagues and her viewers. "Your kindness means so much to me. I'll see you soon," she added.

While Jones did not share details about the health matter, a source close to her described the situation as serious. The issue reportedly does not involve the broadcaster herself or her children, 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche, whom she shares with her husband, Uche Ojeh.

The source noted that Jones is deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from fans and viewers during her absence, and particularly appreciative of the unwavering encouragement from her "Today" show colleagues during this challenging period.

Jones, who deeply values family, has previously reflected on the highs and challenges of parenthood. In a candid conversation with Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and Dreyer, the women bonded over their shared experiences of motherhood and the sisterhood that's formed through it.

The group agreed that Jones makes parenting appear seamless. When Dreyer asked if she considered herself strict, Jones shared that her focus is on being intentional, especially during chaotic moments.

The broadcaster explained that even when dinner runs late and life feels overwhelming, what matters most is being present with her family at the table. When Guthrie said she aims to be both the mother she had and the one she once wished for, Jones emphasized a perspective many parents might relate to.

She noted, "I think that is the key. We're all doing the best we can. We take what we had and what we liked about it. We bring that with us, and some things that maybe we wanna tweak a little bit."

Aside from her family life, Jones has an extensive portfolio, having gotten a degree in broadcast journalism and Spanish from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her broadcast journey began in Springfield, Illinois, where she served as a morning anchor and reporter for WICS-TV.

Earlier in her career, she also anchored and reported for FOX Tulsa, where she was honored by both the National Association of Black Journalists and the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Jones previously co-hosted "Good Day Philadelphia" on FOX, where her coverage spanned local, national, and international stories. Her community involvement earned her formal recognition from the city of Philadelphia and the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Since joining NBC News in 2014, Jones has become a co-host of the "3rd Hour of Today" and has been at the forefront of breaking news and feature stories. She's conducted interviews with high-profile political figures and celebrities, and contributed to coverage of major national events.

Beyond television, she hosts "Through Mom's Eyes," a digital series exploring the stories of celebrity mothers, and co-hosts "Off the Rails," a weekly SiriusXM radio show alongside Roker and Dreyer.

Her work also extends into documentary production. She served as executive producer of MSNBC's "Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret," which follows the emotional journeys of women of color navigating infertility. She's also the host of "Wild Child," a family-friendly educational program under NBC's "The More You Know" banner.

Jones is actively involved in several organizations, including the National Association of Black Journalists, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links Inc.

Her contributions to journalism and community service have earned her induction into the Northwestern University Medill School Hall of Achievement and the 2021 Tribute to Trailblazers Hall of Fame.

With a strong background rooted in education, thanks in part to her family of educators, Jones continues to focus on uplifting stories that inform and inspire.

Jones will soon add author to her list of accomplishments, with her upcoming book "Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans" set for release on October 21, 2025.

The book is a touching tribute to the life lessons passed down by mothers who raised some of the world's most recognizable figures, from athletes like Serena and Venus Williams, Steph Curry, and Shaquille O'Neal to entertainers like Lady Gaga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the Jonas Brothers.

Jones also includes reflections from friends and colleagues, such as Billie Jean King, Andy Cohen, Marcus Samuelsson, and members of her "Today" show family.

Alongside these stories, Jones shares personal insights from her own journey, from her Kansas upbringing to her role on national television, creating a heartfelt celebration of motherhood and resilience.