‘Today’ hosts share update on Sheinelle Jones amid her four-month absence from show: ‘Praying for her’
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Hosts of the 'Today' show shared a rare update about their colleague, Sheinelle Jones, after she took a sabbatical from the show four months ago.
According to Page Six, 46-year-old Jones last appeared on the morning show on the NBC network on December 18, 2024. She sparked concern among fans when she did not return after the holiday break and nor did she attend the farewell of longtime show co-host Hoda Kotb in early January.
What did the 'Today' hosts share about Sheinelle Jones?
Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer, co-hosts of Sheinelle Jones on 'Today 3rd Hour', confirmed during an interview with Access Hollywood on Friday, April 11, that they have been in touch with her during the extended period of her absence.
"I just talked to her a couple days ago, (and) as you know she’s taking some time to be with her family, and we talk to her all the time,” said Melvin, 45, adding that they “love” Jones and it has "been nice to see how much everyone else loves her, too" over the last few months.
“Exactly. We’re just praying for her,” chimed in 70-year-old Roker.
Stating that Jones “misses being” on the 'Today' show with them because “she’s doing what she needs to do” at this time, co-host Dreyer, 43, assured fans, "She’ll be back."
Jones has reportedly been a part of the 'Today' show since 2014, and co-hosts the daily third hour of the show. She also fills in for Melvin or Savannah Guthrie during the 'Today' morning broadcast when required.
Sheinelle Jones addresses her absence from 'Today' show
After not returning on air following the holidays, Sheinelle Jones had taken to the social media platform X on January 15 to share, "Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show."
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"I want to share that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter. It’s not lost how lucky I am to have not only 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.”
Insiders later revealed that the "family health matter" was of a "serious" nature, but it does not revolve around the television host, or the three children that she shares with her husband, Uche Ojeh.
“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” the source said in January. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit ‘Today’ show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time," they added.
