Sheinelle Jones has publicly addressed the passing of her spouse, Uche Ojeh.
The co-hosts of the Today program confirmed Ojeh’s death during the broadcast on May 23. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive kind of brain cancer, and died after a prolonged illness.
Following the news, Jones sent a statement on social media.
Thank you for your unwavering love and support. ❤️ Jones provided a caption for a video of the Today program.
The announcement follows the journalist, 47, disclosing on January 15 her decision to take an extended hiatus from the morning program due to a family health issue.
In an Instagram post, Jones said, “I genuinely appreciate all of you who have contacted me during my absence from the show.” I like to inform you that I am allocating time to address a family health issue.
“I am acutely aware of my fortune in having not only the support of my Today show family but also all of you,” she concluded. “Your benevolence is profoundly significant to me.” I will see you shortly.
At that time, Jones, who joined Today in 2014 and now co-hosts the 3rd Hour of Today with Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, did not disclose the specifics of the matter; nonetheless, a source familiar with the television personality indicated that the situation was “serious.”
The source said, “Sheinelle values the support she has garnered from fans and viewers during her absence.” She is particularly appreciative of her close-knit Today show family and co-hosts for their support at a delicate period.
On May 23, co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, and Jenna Bush Hager delivered the news during the live broadcast of the NBC morning program, Today.
“We cannot articulate the anguish we experience for Sheinelle and her three young children,” said Guthrie. “Uche was an exceptional individual.” He was universally adored by us all. We want to express our solidarity and affection for Sheinelle, Kayin, Uche, Clara, and the Ojeh family. You are part of our family, and we are now conveying our affection to you.
“He cherished those children above all else and was immensely proud,” said Melvin, a close friend of Ojeh. He was the father there at every soccer game on the sidelines. He attended all the concerts and recitals. He was that person.
Jones and Ojeh first encountered each other at Northwestern University. During an interview for the winter 2024 issue of the campus magazine, it was disclosed that Jones met Ojeh while she was a college freshman and he was a high school senior visiting the institution.
“I assumed the role of a fraudulent tour guide … “I was merely en route to class,” she said at that moment. “I inquired, ‘Are you disoriented?’” I informed him that I would escort him due to his attractiveness.
Following eight years of courtship, he proposed on the grounds of their alma mater during a thunderstorm. The pair married in 2007. The couple is now the parents of three children: 15-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche.
Throughout the years, Jones has candidly discussed her marriage to Ojeh on Today and has publicly commemorated their love on social media.
“Happy Anniversary, Uche. ❤️ – It is remarkable how life works at times. “We have forged exquisite memories,” she posted photographs of their significant day on Instagram in September 2023.
During the Friday program, her co-hosts commemorated their romantic narrative.
“He was her ideal counterpart; a man whose exuberant spirit and subtle fortitude complemented Sheinelle in every aspect,” Guthrie said in the pre-recorded segment. “Uche was an individual who infused vitality, warmth, and joy into every space.”
