Sheinelle Jones’ Absence from ‘Today’: Host Reactions Explored

Waking up isn’t quite the same for Today viewers without Sheinelle Jones.

Since December 2024, Jones, 46, has been noticeably absent from NBC’s morning show.

Fans initially believed it was simply a journalist taking a holiday break, but Jones later addressed her absence in a social media message.

“Hi everyone… I genuinely appreciate all of you who have reached out during my time away from the show,” she shared via Instagram on January 15. “I want to let you know that I’m taking time to attend to a family health issue.”

Though Jones — who is a mother to Kayin, 14, and twins Clara and Uche, 12, with husband Uche Ojeh — has kept her family’s circumstances private, she felt compelled to thank viewers for their support during this challenging time.

“I truly appreciate having the support of my Today show family, as well as all of you,” she wrote. “Your kindness means the world to me. I’ll be back soon.”

In addition to cohosting Today’s third hour alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, Jones serves as an executive producer for MSNBC’s Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret.

As fans eagerly anticipate Jones’ return, keep reading to hear what the Today team has shared about their colleague and friend’s absence:

Carson Daly

“I don’t have any updates on her timeline,” Daly mentioned to Entertainment Tonight on May 1. “We think about her almost daily and wish her the best. She’s taking valuable time with her family. It’ll unfold in its own time. There’s a lot of love being sent her way.”

Craig Melvin

While on the MSC World America cruise ship for a special Today broadcast, Melvin, 45, provided a brief update on how Jones is doing.

“I spoke with her just a couple of days ago — she’s taking time to be with her family and we converse often,” he revealed to Access Hollywood on April 12. “We love her dearly. It’s been heartening to see how much everyone cares for her, too.”

Al Roker

Roker, 70, reiterated Melvin’s sentiments in April while aboard the Miami cruise ship. He added, “We’re keeping her in our prayers.”

When asked about Jones in May, Roker remarked, “We’re incredibly thankful for all the fans and viewers supporting her and her family. [We’re] taking it day by day.” He stated to Entertainment Tonight, “The silver lining is that we’re a family. We support each other. Take all the time you need for what matters.”

Savannah Guthrie

On January 15, Guthrie, 53, shared Jones’ update at the start of Today’s second hour, emphasizing, “We know so many of you have been inquiring about Sheinelle and missing her—we miss her, too,” she mentioned.

In a separate comment on Jones’ Instagram, Guthrie added, “We love you so much. It’s not the same without you. We’ll see you soon ❤️.”

Hoda Kotb

Even though Kotb’s last appearance on the Today show was January 10, the “Making Space” podcast host continues to express her support for Jones.

“We love you… you are being held,” she remarked on Instagram. “You are family xoxo.”

Dylan Dreyer

The NBC News meteorologist conveyed her hope that her friend would soon return to the screen.

“She misses being with us — she misses being here,” she told Access Hollywood in April, “but she’s doing what she needs to do. She’ll be back.”

In the following month, Dreyer mentioned to Entertainment Tonight, “We’re all incredibly close. We check in with her regularly. Not a week passes without us reaching out to see how she’s doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. We can’t wait for her return; we’re just looking forward to that day.”

In May 2025, Dreyer updated E! News while attending the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, stating that Jones was “doing all right.”

“She’s hanging in there. We’re praying for her and her family. She’s navigating a tough time with her family,” she said. “We talk to her daily. One of our team members checks in with her every single day, and we’re here to support her, welcoming her back as soon as she’s able.”

Jenna Bush Hager

“You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure!” Bush Hager, 43, commented on Jones’ Instagram post in January. “Wrapping our arms around you always ❤️.”

Bush Hager confirmed in May that “the Today show is a family. We take care of each other. We care for each other. That’s simply the truth.”