Why Sheinelle Jones Chose to Keep Her Husband Uche Ojeh’s Cancer Diagnosis Private
Upon her return to Today, Sheinelle Jones spoke about her choice to keep her husband Uche Ojeh’s cancer battle private prior to his passing.
“There may be some viewers who wonder, ‘Why didn’t she share? Why hold this back for so long?’ What I can tell you is that Uche was fiercely private,” Jones, 42, remarked on Friday, September 5. “I chose the spotlight, but he did not. He wasn’t on Instagram or Facebook.”
Jones recalled Ojeh specifically requesting that she refrain from discussing his health publicly.
“When he received his diagnosis, he said to me, ‘Please, I want to handle this privately.’ He was very protective of us and the kids over the years, so it was my turn to be protective,” she explained. “He was incredibly loyal, and it was my turn to show that loyalty. We honored that. Now I feel ready to share.”
Later in the episode, Jones revealed that she learned of Ojeh’s diagnosis in November 2023.
“It was just weeks before I ran the [New York City] marathon. I know people might be surprised, but I ran that marathon with the weight of this on my shoulders. Little did I know that the marathon would prepare me for a real challenge ahead,” she shared. “I spent nearly a year on television while also being there for him during his chemotherapy.”
Jones and Ojeh began dating in the 1990s after meeting at Northwestern University. They married in 2007 and had three children: Kayin, 15, Claire, and Uche, both 12. Jones initially took a leave of absence in December 2024, later explaining that “a family health matter” led to her break.
“I truly appreciate everyone who reached out while I was away from the show,” she wrote on Instagram in January. “I recognize how fortunate I am to have the support of my Today show family and all of you. Your kindness is invaluable to me. See you soon.”
After Jones’ extended absence from the Today show, her cohosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager announced Ojeh’s passing in May.
“With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today cohost Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma,” a tearful Guthrie announced during a live broadcast of the NBC morning program. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an amazing person. We all loved him, and we want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s ideal partner in life.”
Guthrie elaborated during that segment, “He was her perfect match; a man whose joyful spirit and quiet strength complemented Sheinelle in every way. Uche brought life, warmth, and joy to every room. Family, friends, and his deep faith were always his true guiding principles.”
She continued, “He was an enthusiastic soccer player, sang in his church choir, and was devoted to his Nigerian heritage, instilling in their children a strong connection to their cultural roots. Today, with heavy hearts, we celebrate his life as a devoted husband, loving father, and a man whose generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.”
