“Today” co-host Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, has died at the age of 45. He had been treated for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The news was announced “with profound sadness” by Jones’ co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager on Friday, during the NBC morning show’s live broadcast.
Immediately after the announcement, Jones posted on Instagram, “Thank you, for all of your love and support. ❤️,” Jones wrote on Instagram alongside a video of the report about Ojeh.
Ojeh, whose full name was Uchechukwuka Adenola Ojeh, and Jones were married for 18 years and share three children: son Kayin, 15, and fraternal twins Clara and Uche, 12.
Guthrie expressed gut-wrenching condolences for Jones, who had been absent from the NBC morning news show since mid-December.
Support for Sheinelle Jones
“There are no words for the pain that we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children,” she said. “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.”
Melvin, who was close friends with Ojeh, added this: “He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud. 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.”
Jones, 47, first joined NBC in 2014 and has been a constant across all of “Today” programming, including co-hosting “3rd Hour of Today” alongside Roker, Melvin and Dreyer. She had hinted at Ojeh’s illness in an Instagram post in January, when she said she was taking “time to deal with a family health matter.”
Jones had thanked her audience for its understanding. In an industry where taking time off can be seen as a career risk, Jones’ decision to prioritize her family’s well-being sent a powerful message about work-life boundaries. Nevertheless, she maintained transparency with her audience while protecting her family’s privacy. This careful balance showcases the professionalism and authenticity that have made her a respected figure in broadcast journalism.
“I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote. “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. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
Condolences pour in
Her co-hosts left loving posts in Jones’ comment section.
“Hoping you can find peace in the love and prayers that surround you and your incredible children,” wrote Dreyer. “I’m so lucky to have known Uche and his spirit lives on in your family. Love you Sheinelle.”
“Love you Sheinelle…we wrap our arms around you now and forever! ❤️,” wrote Hager.
In addition to members of her “Today” family, fans and friends also sent their condolences to Jones.
“Oh Sheneille . i am so sorry. you are so loved. i love you. only strength and love to you and yours,” wrote actress Selma Blair.
Ojeh was of Nigerian heritage, and it was important to Jones that it be passed along to their children.
“I think it is important to my husband that my kids are brought up knowing his side and his culture,” Jones said while on the morning talk show in 2022. “So, I actually am happy that every year — and even more than every year, whenever we get together — they get new native wear because as they continue to grow, they continue to get new outfits.”
