Sheinelle Jones is back at work as a “Today” broadcaster, but her return is just months after her husband of 17 years died. Now, Jones is opening up about her loss in a heartbreaking but inspiring interview that highlights their close bond and her bravery to speak out about something so deeply personal.
Sheinelle Jones’ Husband Passes Away
Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, died in May 2025. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, People reports. The pair had been together since college and shared three children. “I don’t even think I understood fully what it would feel like to not have him,” she said in her interview with People. “It’s the life after where you really feel the loss.” She also revealed that it was oftentimes the little things that she felt his absence the most.
She continued to share the impact that Ojeh’s death had on the family. “My kids lost their dad at 13 and 16, but I try to tell them they got more in those years than some people get in a lifetime,” she said.
Jones’ decision to return to work and star in a new show with Jenna Bush Hager (a fantastic career move) does not mean she has processed her grief and moved on. Jones and Hager will star on “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” which premiered on January 12. “People see me on TV, and they think ‘Oh, she’s better.’ It’s like, ‘Oh, no no. I’m not better.’ Every day, it’s like swimming through mud,” she said. “I’ve had to really do the work. Empathy is my superpower now, and I recognize that I hold two things: I hold my grief, and I also hold this joy. I said it months ago, and I’ll say it now: I am fighting for my joy.”
Sheinelle Jones Gets Support From Fans
Jones has a job she loves, and she is working with a co-host who makes her feel “safe.” “If I fall, she’s going to pick me up and vice versa,” Jones said of Hager. “If I told you the depth of my groans and tears just months ago to one of the best days of my life here today, you couldn’t even write it.”
Ojeh has passed, but Jones had the constant support and encouragement from him when he was alive. “He was rooting for me all along. I owe it to him to keep going,” she shared. She also revealed that she feels her loving husband “knows” of her new gig.
After the People interview was posted, Jones shared an Instagram post on January 14. It shows photos from the cover story. In the comment section, fans, celebrities, and friends praised her. “What an incredible moment. Uche is looking down with love,” a comment reads. “You look gorgeous,” another shared.
Other reactions include, “We love you and are so so proud of you, mama!!!!,” “It’s your time to shine and help others. Just beautiful,” and “Today when you talked about your husband, I felt your true compassion.”
Please go to a group that shares your heartbreak. It will do you well to share. Think of you often.
So sorry for your loss. I just lost my husband of 50 years to cancer & it is so hard to imagine life without him. His came on suddenly & he passed on New Years Eve. I can’t imagine my life without him.