Sheinelle Jones Reflects on Late Husband Uche Ojeh’s Support as She Embraces New Role on Today: ‘Let’s Make This Happen’
Sheinelle Jones and husband Uche Ojeh on June 14, 2019 in New York City.
Credit :
Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Sheinelle Jones has been appointed as the permanent co-host of *Today*’s fourth hour alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
- During the Dec. 9 episode of *Jenna & Friends*, Jones reflected on her late husband.
- *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle* is set to launch on Jan. 12.
Sheinelle Jones has publicly acknowledged that her late husband remains her biggest supporter.
On the Dec. 9 episode of *Today with Jenna & Friends*, Jones celebrated her new role as permanent co-host of the show’s fourth hour, which will begin airing on Jan. 12. The announcement came during a heartfelt conversation hosted by Jenna Bush Hager.
“Here’s the truth of the matter, and everybody knows, God, a year ago at this time was tough for me. A year ago at this time, I decided I should step back and be with my husband, and we were in a fight,” Jones shared, referring to her late husband Uche Ojeh’s diagnosis with glioblastoma. “You couldn’t write this script.”
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones on Dec. 9.
Jenna and Friends/Instagram
After stepping back from *Today* in late 2024 to focus on family, Jones, who shares three children with Ojeh, returned in September. Ojeh passed away in May due to an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Bush Hager remarked on the strength Jones has demonstrated for her children. “Your kids must be so proud of you for everything, for your strength, for your grace, for you showing up for them day after day,” she noted.
Jones recounted her children’s reactions to the news of her new role. “I told my kids first. Kay was in the school library — he sent me a selfie that was the cutest thing — and the twins, I went and got wine and I gave them water and I said, ‘Guys, we have to take a selfie,’ and they were so happy for me. There was so much joy in our house, and we needed that joy,” she explained.
Sheinelle Jones celebrating the good news with her three children.
Jenna and Friends/Instagram
Discussing her return to work, Jones elaborated, “When I came back from leave, I talked about fighting for my joy. This is what it looks like. It feels divine. It feels like Uche’s up there with God. He’s Mr. Competitive. He’s like, ‘Alright, let’s make this happen for Sheinelle.’ I put on his shirt this morning, and I said a little prayer, and I’m like, ‘Let’s go be with — not my friend, but my sister,’ ” Jones expressed.
Having openly navigated her journey of grief while striving for happiness, Jones added, “For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain… If you see me here, that means you can do it too. And we’re all gonna fight for our joy.”
*Today with Jenna & Sheinelle* will premiere on Monday, Jan. 12, following the departure of former co-host Hoda Kotb, who left to spend more time with her children.
Over the past year, Bush Hager has welcomed over 60 celebrity guest co-hosts on *Today with Jenna & Friends*.
