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5 Shocking Updates: Is Sheinelle Jones Really Leaving The Today Show?

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The question of whether Sheinelle Jones is leaving the Today Show has dominated fan discussions, particularly following her extended absence from the airwaves. As of December 2025, the reality is a complex mix of professional promotion, a temporary personal leave, and a profound family tragedy, all of which have contributed to the recent speculation and her time away from the studio. The beloved co-host is not departing NBC News, but she is undergoing a significant professional transition while navigating a deeply personal loss that has garnered an outpouring of support from her colleagues and the wider public.

The confusion stems from a major career promotion—a new permanent co-hosting role—that coincided with an unavoidable, extended personal leave. This article breaks down the latest, most current information on Sheinelle Jones's status, her new show, and the difficult circumstances that have kept her off-screen.

Sheinelle Jones: Biography, Career, and Family Profile

Sheinelle Marie Jones is one of the most recognizable and respected journalists on morning television. Her professional and personal life, marked by dedication and resilience, is detailed below:

  • Full Name: Sheinelle Marie Jones
  • Born: April 19, 1978
  • Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 47
  • Education: Graduated from Northwestern University, where she met her late husband
  • Father: C. Darnell Jones II, a respected federal judge
  • Late Husband: Uche Ojeh (married 2007; died May 2025 at age 45)
  • Children: Three children: son Kayin (approx. 16) and fraternal twins Clara and Uche Jr. (approx. 13)
  • Career Highlights: Prior to joining NBC News, Jones worked at KOKI-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and WTXF-TV in Philadelphia. She joined NBC News as a correspondent and co-host of Weekend Today before becoming a permanent fixture on the weekday show.
  • Current Role: NBC News correspondent, co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today (transitioning), and permanent co-host of the 4th Hour of Today.

Update #1: The Truth About Her 'Leaving'—A Major Promotion

The most important piece of news for viewers concerned about Sheinelle Jones leaving the Today Show is that she is absolutely staying with NBC News—in fact, she has been promoted to a new, permanent, and high-profile role.

Transitioning from the 3rd Hour

Sheinelle Jones will be stepping down from her role as co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today, where she co-hosted alongside Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer. This is the source of some of the "leaving" confusion, as she will no longer be a daily fixture on that particular segment of the show.

The New Show: 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle'

In a major career move, Jones was announced as the official, permanent co-host of the Today Show's fourth hour, joining Jenna Bush Hager. This segment, which previously featured Hoda Kotb, has been officially renamed "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle." This promotion solidifies her standing at NBC and gives her a dedicated, two-person show, a significant career milestone that was set to begin in January 2025.

Update #2: The Reason for Her Extended Leave and Absence

The second, and more sensitive, reason behind the speculation about Sheinelle Jones leaving the Today Show is her extended absence from the broadcast, which began in January 2025. This time away was necessary for her to focus on a serious personal matter.

A Family Health Matter and Profound Loss

Initially, Jones shared with viewers that she was taking time off to navigate a "family health matter." Tragically, this extended leave was related to the illness and eventual passing of her late husband, Uche Ojeh. Mr. Ojeh died in May 2025 at the age of 45 after a brave and long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The news of Uche Ojeh's death sent shockwaves through the Today Show family, with co-hosts like Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer publicly sharing their support and asking viewers to keep the family in their prayers. This period of mourning and supporting her three young children—Kayin, Clara, and Uche Jr.—necessitated her time away from the demands of live television.

Update #3: When is Sheinelle Jones Returning to the Today Show?

Fans eager for her return have been closely monitoring updates. While the exact date can be fluid depending on personal circumstances, an anticipated timeline has been reported.

The September 2025 Return

Following her husband's passing and her focus on family, reports indicate that Sheinelle Jones is set to return to the Today Show in September 2025. This return is expected to be a heartfelt and emotional moment for both Jones and her dedicated viewers, marking her official start in the new fourth-hour role.

Update #4: The Co-Hosts' Unwavering Support

The close-knit nature of the Today Show cast has been highly visible during this difficult time, cementing the show's reputation as a genuine "family."

  • Public Tributes: The entire Today Show team, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin, have offered public, heartfelt tributes to Uche Ojeh and expressed their support for Sheinelle and her children.
  • Checking In: Co-hosts like Dylan Dreyer have confirmed that the Today Show family has been constantly checking in on Jones, ensuring she feels supported and loved during her time away.
  • Filling the Void: Various NBC personalities have stepped in to cover her absence on the 3rd and 4th hours, allowing Jones the privacy and time she needs without the pressure of rushing back.

Update #5: What the New Role Means for Her Career Trajectory

The move to co-host the 10 a.m. hour, now titled "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle," is a significant career move that places her at the forefront of a major brand extension for the NBC News morning franchise. This shift allows her to transition from a news-heavy role to one that focuses more on lifestyle, human-interest stories, and casual, engaging conversation, a format that often resonates deeply with viewers.

This new platform will allow Jones, a journalist with a history of interviewing major political figures and entertainers, to showcase her warmth, humor, and deep connection with the audience on a daily basis. The new role, which she will begin full-time upon her return, dispels any lingering rumors of her leaving NBC and instead confirms her long-term commitment and value to the network.

Conclusion: Sheinelle Jones is Not Leaving, But Evolving

In summary, the narrative that Sheinelle Jones is leaving the Today Show is inaccurate. The reality is that she is navigating a challenging personal period while simultaneously preparing for a major professional upgrade. She is not leaving NBC, but rather transitioning from her role on the 3rd Hour of Today to become the permanent co-host of the newly rebranded "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle." Her extended time away was a necessary leave to mourn the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, and support her family. Fans can anticipate her return to the airwaves in September 2025, where she will officially begin her exciting new chapter in morning television.

sheinelle jones leaving today show
sheinelle jones leaving today show

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