Sheinelle Jones revealed the reason behind her recent Today show absences.
“Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” Jones, 46, wrote in an Instagram message on Wednesday, January 15. “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”
The TV personality went on to note that 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 concluded her post on a sweet note, writing, “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle❤️.”
Savannah Guthrie read Jones’ update at the top of Today’s second hour on Wednesday, adding, “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her, too.”
Craig Melvin chimed in by stating: “Sheinelle, we all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back.”
Jones has noticeably been missing from the NBC morning show for over a week, having previously taken a break around the holidays with several of her fellow cohosts. Her absence continued into this week, with Melvin, 45, noting on Tuesday, January 14, that she had the day off.
“What happened to Sheinelle in January 2025 on 3rd hour???” one fan commented on one of Jones’ recent Instagram posts.
The upload, which she shared in December 2024, featured a snap of herself and her 15-year-old son, Kayin, with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House 2024 holiday party. (Jones shares Kayin and twins Clara and Uche, 12, with her husband, Uche Ojeh.)
A second user wrote underneath the post that they “came to her page curious of the same with her not there today. I hope all is okay,” while another commented, “Your fans are missing you. I hope all is well and we will see you next week back on Today. You are very loved by viewers ❤️ ♥️ ❤️.”
Jones’ continued absence coincided with two major Today events, the first being Hoda Kotb’s final day on the show on Friday, January 10. She was the only one of the show’s major hosts to be absent for Kotb’s farewell celebration, which included celebrity appearances from Gayle King, Simone Biles, Jimmy Fallon and more.
Similarly, she was absent for Melvin’s first day as Guthrie’s new Today coanchor on Monday, January 13. Jones previously congratulated her fellow third hour cohost on his new role via Instagram in November 2024.
“If you’ve watched us over the last decade – you can tell that we’re all pretty close,” she captioned pics of Melvin’s on-air promotion announcement. “I couldn’t be happier for Craig; when they officially named him this morning, I couldn’t help but get a little teary – because I know how hard he’s worked. … Love you @craigmelvinnbc ! Congratulations!!!”
Jones first joined the series as a Weekend Today cohost in 2014 before beginning her role as a third hour cohost in 2019.
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