Stars Support Sheinelle Jones Following the Passing of Her Husband, Uche Ojeh
The Hollywood and news industries are rallying around Sheinelle Jones following the tragic passing of her husband, Uche Ojeh.
Savannah Guthrie shared the heartbreaking news during the May 23 episode of Today, revealing that Ojeh lost his life at 45 after a private battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. “There are simply no words for the pain we all feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person, and he was dearly missed by all of us.”
Jones, 47, met her husband while showing him around Northwestern University, where they fell in love in the late ‘90s. Ojeh proposed on campus, and they exchanged vows in September 2007.
The couple welcomed their first child, Kayin, in August 2009, followed by twins Clara and Uche in July 2012.
Sheinelle has been away from her role on the third hour of Today since December 2024. The next month, she shared on Instagram that she was “taking time to address a family health issue.”
She reposted tributes from her Today colleagues honoring her husband on Instagram, writing, “Thank you for all the love and support ❤️.” Fans, colleagues, and celebrities filled the comments with condolences and well-wishes.
Continue reading to see which stars have come together to support Jones during this challenging time:
Hoda Kotb
Kotb shared Ojeh’s death announcement on Today on Instagram, expressing, “💔 Sending all my love to @sheinelle_o 🙏.” She also left a heartfelt note in the comments of Jones’ post: “Holding you and your babies close, Sheinelle 🙏.”
Savannah Guthrie
“We want to say, Sheinelle, Kayin, little Uche and Clara, we’re with you,” she said on Friday’s episode of Today. “We love you, you’re our family, and we’re sending you all our love right now.” Guthrie praised both Jones and Ojeh for their strength during his health struggles. “Uche had an incredible, deep-rooted faith throughout this battle, and it truly shone through,” she stated. “We love him and love you, Sheinelle.”
Guthrie further shared kind words in the comments of Jones’ Instagram post: “Uche was extraordinary—full of light, love, and faith. My dearest Sheinelle, we love you and the kids with all our hearts. Your strength amazes me. You are surrounded by love now and forever ❤️.”
Dylan Dreyer
Dreyer highlighted how Jones managed to maintain a smile during difficult moments and recalled that she and Ojeh treasured their time together with family during the pandemic in South Carolina. “They had this special time, which was the most important thing to all of them,” she shared.
In the comments of Jones’ Instagram, Dreyer expressed her hopes that Jones finds “peace in the love and prayers surrounding you and your wonderful children.” She added, “I feel so fortunate to have known Uche, and his spirit will continue living within your family. Love you, Sheinelle.”
Al Roker
Reflecting on Ojeh during Friday’s episode, Roker remembered him as a “private yet wickedly funny” individual. “He had a way of surprising you with his wit without being boastful,” Roker noted. “He was a humble person.”
Craig Melvin
On Friday, Guthrie remarked that Melvin shared a close friendship with Ojeh. He remembered their deep conversations while golfing last fall, emphasizing how proud Ojeh was of his children with Jones. “He was a dedicated dad, attending every soccer game, concert, and recital,” Melvin praised. “He was that kind of man.”
He later remarked on the remarkable way Jones handled Ojeh’s health challenges while nurturing their three children. “Every time you talked to her, she found a way to laugh about something,” Melvin noted.
Jenna Bush Hager
On Today, Bush Hager noted that Jones discovered the “grace within her grief” through humor. “Speaking with her has been incredibly inspiring,” she said.
Bush Hager later conveyed her love to Jones in the comments, stating, “Love you, Sheinelle … we embrace you now and always!”
Carson Daly
While honoring Ojeh, the Voice host recalled losing his own father to cancer at 5 years old. He credited his “faith in God” for helping him overcome grief. “I pray for their family and that the kids find solace as well,” he shared on Today. “Their faith is incredible.”
Daly also shared a post about Ojeh’s passing via his Instagram Story on Friday.
Tamron Hall
“Sheinelle, our prayers and love are with you and your family,” the former Today host commented on Jones’ Instagram.
Shaun Robinson
“What a blessing it was to have had such a perfect and wonderful partner ❤️,” the TV personality expressed in the comments of Jones’ Instagram post. “Sending an abundance of love your way, my friend 🙏🏾.”
Sherri Shepherd
The former The View cohost expressed her prayers and love for Jones in the comments of the Today host’s Instagram.
Joy Reid
“Oh Sheinelle, I am deeply sorry, dear sister,” the ex-MSNBC personality commented on Jones’ Instagram on Friday. “Sending you profound love and my sincerest condolences 💔.”
Nischelle Turner
“Surrounding you and your family with prayers and healing energy ❤️,” the Entertainment Tonight cohost wrote in a comment to Jones.
Ayman Mohyeldin
NBC News reporter Mohyeldin expressed his condolences on Instagram, stating he was “so sorry” for Jones’ loss. “Uche was an exceptional guy, one of the best individuals I enjoyed talking soccer with,” he shared. “His love and legacy will always endure. Sending love and strength!”
Selma Blair
“Oh Sheinelle, I’m so sorry. You are deeply loved. I cherish you,” the actress commented on Instagram. “Only strength and love to you and your family.”
Holly Robinson Peete
The actress and singer paid tribute to Jones and her late husband on Instagram on Friday. “Dear Sheinelle, my heart aches for your loss. Know that Rodney & I are holding you and your family close during this unfathomable time,” she wrote alongside a video of Guthrie announcing Ojeh’s death on Today.
She continued, “Uche’s love and light will endure through the beautiful life you built together. I pray you find strength in the love surrounding you and solace in the cherished memories. With my heartfelt sympathy and all my love, Holly 🙏🏽.”
Jessica Sims
Sims commented that the tribute from the Today cast honoring Ojeh was “such a beautiful tribute.” “Sheinelle, we are holding you and your family in our prayers ❤️,” wrote the Peloton instructor.
D-Nice
The DJ offered his “deepest condolences” to Jones and her family in an Instagram comment beneath her recent post.
Yvonne Orji
“So incredibly sorry for your loss,” commented the Insecure alum on Instagram.
Justin Sylvester
The E! News personality and frequent Today With Jenna & Friends guest host expressed his love by leaving three red hearts on Jones’ Instagram post.
Norah O’Donnell
The CBS News correspondent commented that she was “sending love” to Jones and her family on Friday.
Donna Farizan
“I love you and your family dearly,” wrote the Jenna & Friends contributor in the comments section of Jones’ Instagram.
Alisyn Camerota
“We’re here for you 🙏,” the former CNN personality wrote to Jones on Friday.
Scott Evans
Evans expressed in the comments of Jones’ Instagram that he was “sending you so much love. Lifting your family in prayer.”
Nessa
“Sending you love and prayers always,” commented the Today contributor on Friday. “We love you!!!!”
Rebecca Jarvis
Echoing the sentiments of many others, the ABC News personality noted that she was “sending so much love” to Jones and her family via Instagram.
Jaimie Alexander
“Sheinelle, I’m truly sorry for your loss,” the Blindspot alum wrote in her comment on Jones’ Instagram. “My heart aches for you and your family.”
Atoya Burleson
The wife of CBS Mornings cohost Nate Burleson shared her sorrow over Ojeh’s passing. “Praying for you and your family. We love you and understand how much your husband meant to you,” she wrote on Jones’ Instagram. “Lifting you and your family up during this unimaginable time. Love you, sis.”
Ally Love
The Peloton instructor and Today contributor mentioned Jones, stating that she was “deep in my prayers and heart” in a comment on Friday. “Sending so much love to your family,” she added.
Jacob Soboroff
“Love you dearly @sheinelle_o. May Uche’s memory be a blessing,” the NBC News correspondent commented on Jones’ Instagram. “You are a gift to everyone who knows you, and we cherish what you provide us every morning. Here for you always.”
Aarti Sequeira
“Oh Sheinelle, I am so very sorry,” the Food Network star commented on Instagram on Friday. “I’m praying for you and your precious babies that you find strength and peace in the days to come.”
Uzo Aduba
“I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️🙏🏿,” the Orange is the New Black star commented on Jones’ Instagram.
Heather McMahan
“I am so incredibly sorry,” the comedian and former Jenna & Friends cohost remarked in a comment on Instagram. “Sending you so much love ❤️.”
Kaylee Hartung
Hartung, who has filled in for Jones on the third hour of Today, shared that she has “so much love” for the host in a comment on Instagram.
