Sheinelle Jones’ Absence From ‘Today’: What Hosts Have Said

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

Ever since December 2024, Jones, 46, has been noticeably missing from NBC’s morning show.

While fans originally thought it was just a journalist taking some time off for the holidays, Jones eventually spoke out about her absence in a social media post.

“Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote via Instagram on January 15. “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”

Although Jones — who shares Kayin, 14, and twins Clara and Uche, 12, with husband Uche Ojeh — has kept her family’s situation private, she wanted to thank viewers for their encouragement as she handles a situation away from cameras.

“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,” she wrote. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”

In addition to cohosting Today‘s 3rd hour with Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer, Jones also serves as an executive producer of MSNBC’s Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret. 

As fans eagerly wait for Jones’ return, keep reading to see what the Today show team has said about their coworker and friend’s absence:

Carson Daly

“I don’t know anything about when or timeline,” Daly told Entertainment Tonight on May 1. “We talk about her probably every day and we’re wishing her well. She’s spending much needed time with her family. That’ll just take its course. There’s so much love going out to her.”

Craig Melvin

While aboard the MSC World America cruise ship for a special broadcast of the Today show, Melvin, 45, offered an update on how Jones is doing.

“I just talked to her a couple days ago — she’s taking some time to be with her family and we talk to her all the time,” he shared with Access Hollywood on April 12. “We love our girl. It’s been nice to see how much everyone loves her, too.”

Al Roker

Roker, 70, echoed Melvin’s statements in April about Jones while aboard the Miami cruise ship. He added, “We’re just praying for her.”

When asked about Jones in May, Roker explained, “The fact of the matter is, we’re so grateful for all the fans and viewers who have been praying for her and praying for her family. [We’re] just taking it one day at a time.” He told Entertainment Tonight, “The good news is this is a family. We’ve got each other’s backs. Make sure that you take the time you need to take care of things.”

Savannah Guthrie

On January 15, Guthrie, 53, read Jones’ update at the top of Today’s second hour adding, “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her, too,” she said.

In a separate comment on Jones’ Instagram, Guthrie wrote, “We love you so. Not the same without you. We will see you soon ❤️.”

Hoda Kotb

Although Kotb’s last day on the Today show was January 10, the “Making Space” podcast host continues to send her support to Jones.

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

Dylan Dryer 

The NBC News meteorologist expressed hope that her friend will be back in front of the camera sooner rather than later.

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

The following month, Dryer told Entertainment Tonight, “We’re all very, very close. We chat with her often. A week doesn’t go by where we’re not checking in, seeing how she’s doing. We pray for her all the time. We can’t wait for her to come back. We’re just waiting for that day to come.”

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

“She’s hanging in there. We’re praying for her and her family. You know, she’s just going through a tough time with her family,” she said. “We talk to her every day. One of us on the team talks to her every single day, and we’re there to support her, and we’ll welcome her back with open arms the second she can get back to us.”

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 love each other. That’s the truth.”