Sheinelle Jones Reveals Why She's Taking Time off from 'Today'

​​Underneath the bright lights of NBC's "Today" studio, a heartfelt absence has left viewers wondering: Why has the beloved news correspondent suddenly stepped away from the show? Read on to find out.

Sheinelle Jones, a co-host on NBC's "Today," recently revealed she is temporarily stepping away from the show to focus on a family health matter, sparking a wave of online buzz.

Jones' announcement was shared during the Wednesday, January 15, 2025, broadcast of "Today." Savannah Guthrie read Jones' heartfelt statement, originally posted on Instagram.

In her message, Jones addressed her fans, "Hi everybody ... I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I've been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I'm taking time to deal with a family health matter."

She went on to thank her colleagues and viewers for their unwavering support, adding, "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. Your kindness means so much to me. I'll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle ❤️."

Following the announcement, her co-hosts expressed their well wishes and support for Jones. "We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle, and missing her, and we miss her, too," Guthrie said on air.

Craig Melvin also shared his sentiments, "Sheinelle, we all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back." Guthrie then added, "We'll see you soon."

Although Jones has chosen not to disclose specific details about the family health issue, a source close to her told People that the situation is "serious."

However, the source clarified that the health concern does not involve Jones herself or her three children: 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche, whom she shares with her husband, Uche Ojeh.

"Sheinelle appreciates the support she's received from fans and viewers in her absence," the insider added. "She's especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time."

Viewers and colleagues alike have poured out love and prayers for Jones. Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC's "11th Hour," wrote, "You are missed. You are loved. Sending you prayers and positivity."

One user commented, "Oh Sheinelle! We have been so worried! Thank you for your post. I'm so sorry to hear there is a health issue. My friends and I are Today Show junkies and have missed you. We KNEW something was wrong when you missed Hoda's last day. We will be sending so much positive energy your way! Take care ❤️."

Another wrote, "You are sorely missed. Hope everything works out for your family." Others left similarly heartfelt messages. "You have our prayers! Praying your [sic] are surrounded by the peace & comfort of Jesus," shared one user.

"Yeah, we were definitely worried. Glad that you sent this post. Prayers are with you," commented another. "So worried about you. You and your family are in my prayers," one fan shared, while another said, "I miss you! Sorry for what your family is going through!"

The messages continued to flood in, with many expressing their concern and support. Another well-wisher added, "Sending so many prayers your way. Glad something was finally said. I've been concerned....guess I'll have to keep on being concerned. Hope all is well very soon."

Since joining NBC News in 2014, Jones has been an integral part of network, where she co-hosts the "3rd Hour of Today." Over her career, Jones has covered a range of breaking news events, interviewed prominent figures, and produced impactful human-interest stories.

In addition to her role on "Today," Jones hosts the digital series "Through Mom's Eyes," where she interviews the mothers of celebrities to discuss their unique experiences raising successful children.

She also leads a monthly wellness show on Peacock TV and co-hosts the Sirius XM radio show "Off the Rails" with fellow Today co-hosts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer.

Jones also hosts "Wild Child," an award-winning educational program that is part of NBC's "The More You Know" family programming.

The 46-year-old news anchor's absence was first noticed by online viewers on January 13, 2025, when Melvin conducted his first "Today" show as a co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.

While some people were happy to see Melvin in his new position, others questioned Jones' whereabouts, who appeared to have missed Hoda Kotb's farewell celebration.

The "Today" show celebrated the beginning of Guthrie and Melvin's partnership as co-anchors with a cheerful Instagram post that captured a sweet, behind-the-scenes moment between the two.

In the short clip, Guthrie and Melvin were seated at the iconic glass-top desk in Studio 1A, exchanging a lively high-five as they geared up for their first broadcast together on Monday morning.

The playful energy between the co-anchors was palpable, with both sporting wide smiles and exuding an infectious enthusiasm for the show ahead.

Overlaid on top of the video is text reading, "Let's do this!" which further emphasized their readiness to take on this new chapter.

Appropriately dressed for the occasion, Guthrie donned a vibrant fuchsia dress, while Melvin looked dapper in a classic navy suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a light gold tie.

The studio backdrop, adorned with bright lights and beautiful floral arrangements, gave the set a warm and festive feel, fitting for such a milestone day.

Accompanied by the upbeat tune "Good Morning" by Jumbo, the post perfectly encapsulated the fresh energy the duo brought to the show. "Today's" official Instagram page captioned, "Savannah and Craig's first week as co-anchors. ❤️ #TodayShow."

While the celebratory post garnered some excitement for Melvin, it was quickly overshadowed by a flood of concerned comments from viewers questioning Jones' absence from the show.

"Congrats to Craig! Also, where is Sheinelle?!? She is missed!!" wondered an Instagrammer, while another echoed, "So happy for Craig. Really. But where is Shenielle [sic]????"

In response to this comment, someone else answered, "she's been missing for weeks with no answers. Missed Hodas send off w out even a taped message. We're worried [sic]."

Such concern continued with an observer penning, "Something is not right with #TodayShow and the absence of Sheinelle Jones. Her being gone without an explanation is really weird. I hope she is okay." "@SheinelleJones What happened to Sheinelle on @TheTodayShow ????" questioned someone else.

Another netizen asked, "@TODAYshow can u tell us where Sheinelle Jones is? So odd she is missing the #Hoda K's farewell!"

A spectator referenced Kotb's farewell celebration and remarked, "I loved the HODA bration [sic] but really wondered why Sheinelle Jones wasn't among the cast?"

"Where is sheinelle [sic]? Something is up! No one is saying a word!" noted a user. The tone of concern grew more pointed as one person asserted, "Where's Sheinelle? Force her out, too?" and another declared, "Where is Sheneille? I'm done with 'TODAY' if they did her dirty. Did the same thing to Ann years ago."

Yet another person commented, "Where is Sheinelle?" while another responded, "so happy about Craig ❤️ Something is up with Sheinelle 🤷🏻‍♀️ I hope she's well but no mention of her in the begining of the 3 hour! I like her so much [sic]!"

As some netizens pointed out, Jones' absence from "Today's" "Hoda-bration" on January 10, 2025, was particularly noticeable given the emotional magnitude of the celebration.

The special segment marked a significant milestone for Hoda Kotb, who bid farewell to the "Today" show after years of co-hosting with warmth, humor, and grace.

Two months before missing Kotb's farewell celebration and Monday morning's episode, Jones took to Instagram to share a heartfelt congratulatory post celebrating Melvin's new role.

The post featured several snapshots of Jones, Melvin, Kotb, Guthrie, and fellow "Today" co-hosts Hager and Carson Daly, enjoying a toast together on set, exuding camaraderie and joy.

In her caption, Jones referred to Melvin as her "little bro" and expressed her pride and joy at seeing him step into his new role alongside Guthrie. She reminisced about their years working together, highlighting their shared history and deep bond.

"If you've watched us over the last decade — you can tell that we're all pretty close," wrote Jones, before revealing that she and Melvin attended MC Hammer concerts as kids (separately).

Jones' caption continued with a touching reflection on Melvin's journey. "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!!!! 🍾🎉🎈🎊," concluded Jones.

Like Jones, Craig Melvin has made it clear that his bond with her extends beyond the walls of the "Today" studio.

As the show shared in a video posted in November 2024, Melvin and Jones are more than just colleagues — they're "longtime friends," as the post's caption aptly described them.

In the clip, the two shared a heartfelt conversation about their years of working together and the advice Jones gave Melvin after it was announced he would be stepping into the co-anchor role alongside Guthrie.

Reflecting on the moment, Melvin recalled Jones offering encouraging words when he felt overwhelmed by the big career move. "You and I had a great conversation yesterday that I needed. You were like, 'Today, just receive it,'" mentioned Melvin.

The pair's easy camaraderie and long history were on full display in the clip, with Melvin joking that Jones was now "stuck" working with him for the third-hour segment. He revealed, "I said to you a couple weeks ago, I've worked with you longer than anyone else in my career at this point [sic]."

Sheinelle Jones' decision to step away from her job reflects her focus on family during a critical time. As viewers and colleagues show their support, her return remains highly anticipated.