Sheinelle Jones is a well-known journalist and co-anchor on NBC’s Today show. She is loved for her warm personality, sharp wit, and dedication to storytelling. She started her career at local news stations in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Philadelphia before joining Today in 2014. She appears on the third hour with Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer.
On December 9, 2025, it was announced that she will become the permanent co-host of the fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, starting January 12, 2026, after Hoda Kotb left.
In 2025, Sheinelle faced personal challenges. Her husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away from brain cancer at age 45 in May. During this time, she took a break from work to care for him and support their three children: son Kayin and twins Uche and Clara. She returned to the show sharing her journey of grief and family resilience, often calling it “mom mode.”
Today, Sheinelle Jones is back in Studio 1A, continuing her career while inspiring viewers with her balance of professional success and family devotion.
Who is Sheinelle Jones? Early Life and Background
Sheinelle Jones was born on April 19, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Her father, C. Darnell Jones II, is a U.S. District Court Judge. Her mother, Sheila Kinnard, was a teacher and loved theater. They taught Sheinelle storytelling, faith, and community service.
She excelled in school and was a cheerleader at Wichita Heights High School. She graduated with honors from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in Illinois. She earned degrees in journalism and Spanish.
She started her career at the CBS affiliate in Springfield, Illinois (WRSP/WCCU). She then worked at KOKI-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After that, she spent nine years at Philadelphia’s Fox-owned WTXF-TV (Fox 29). There, she covered breaking news, hosted the morning show, and won multiple Emmy Awards.
Her work in Philadelphia built her reputation as a talented and relatable broadcaster. In 2014, she joined NBC News and became a co-host on the Today Show. Her journey from the Midwest to the East Coast shapes her warm, approachable on-air style.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheinelle Marie Jones |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1978 |
| Age | 47 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Parents | Father: C. Darnell Jones II (U.S. District Court Judge); mother not named |
| Siblings | Not publicly listed |
| Heritage | African-American |
| Marital Status | Married to Uche Ojeh (2007–2025; deceased) |
| Children | Three: sons Kayin and Uche, daughter Clara |
| Occupation | Journalist, news anchor, correspondent |
| Employer | NBC News |
| TV Shows | Today Show (Third Hour), Weekend Today, Wild Child (Saturday morning educational block) |
| Education | Wichita Brooks Middle Magnet School, Wichita Heights High School, Northwestern University (Medill School of Journalism) |
| Sorority | Alpha Kappa Alpha (historically Black sorority) |
| Early Career | Interned at KWCH-TV (Wichita); WICS-TV Springfield, Illinois; KOKI-TV Tulsa, Oklahoma; WTXF-TV Philadelphia |
| NBC Today | Joined October 4, 2014; co-hosted Third Hour since Jan 2019; left Weekend Today Dec 2019 |
| Awards / Recognition | Not specifically listed; recognized for journalism excellence |
| Languages | English |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Health Notes | Vocal cord surgery in Feb 2020 (lesions removed) |
| Personal Interests / Hobbies | Family, mentoring, education, storytelling, community involvement |
| Spouse’s Cause of Death | Uche Ojeh: aggressive glioblastoma (May 23, 2025) |
| Residence | Likely New York City (works in Studio 1A, NBC Today Show) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (estimated ~$3–5 million in media reports) |
Career Highlights
Sheinelle Jones joined the Today Show in October 2014 as a weekend co-anchor and weekday correspondent. She quickly became a fan favorite for her energy and versatility. In January 2019, she was promoted to full-time co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today with Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer.
She has hosted thousands of hours of live TV and interviewed stars like Michelle Obama and Matthew McConaughey. She leads popular segments such as “Through Mom’s Eyes,” “Sheinelle’s Stories,” and “Start TODAY” fitness challenges with Stephanie Mansour.
Her work earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a 2020 Gracie Award for Outstanding News Anchor. She has been praised for her coverage of COVID-19 and racial justice issues.
She took brief absences, including six weeks in early 2020 for vocal-cord surgery and a longer leave in 2025 after her husband Uche Ojeh passed.
In December 2025, NBC announced she would be the permanent co-host of the fourth hour, “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” starting January 12, 2026. This confirmed she is staying with the Today Show for the long term.
Personal Life and Family
Sheinelle Jones was married to Uche Ojeh for 18 years. His full name was Uchechukwuka Adenola Ojeh. He was a managing partner at UAO Consulting and father of their three children.
Uche passed away on May 23, 2025, at age 45. He had glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer. Sheinelle took leave from the Today Show in April 2025 to care for him full-time. She called it “the hardest days of our lives.”
They met at Northwestern University in the late 1990s. They married in 2007. Uche often attended events with Sheinelle, showing his “joyful spirit and quiet strength.”
Their children are son Kayin (born August 2009) and fraternal twins Uche Jr. and Clara (born July 2012). She balanced parenting with her career through family activities and “mom mode” routines.
After Uche’s death, Today Show colleagues shared tributes on-air. Sheinelle posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. His funeral on May 30, 2025, in New York City was attended by Today Show stars who supported Sheinelle and the kids.
She returned to the airwaves in September 2025. She now shares segments on widowhood and parenting through grief.
Health and Challenges
Sheinelle Jones faced major personal challenges in 2024–2025. Her husband, Uche Ojeh, had passed away on May 23, 2025. She grieved publicly while protecting their three children from the spotlight.
Sheinelle also had vocal cord surgery in early 2020 for a benign polyp. She was out for six weeks and recovered fully without complications.
Fans noticed weight loss in 2025 photos. This was linked to grief and stress, not a medical condition. She used her experience to raise awareness for brain cancer.
She relied on support from her Today Show colleagues, including Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer. She focused on “mom mode” with son Kayin and twins Uche Jr. and Clara.
She returned to the show in September 2025. Her time away was a deliberate choice to prioritize family. In January 2026, she became permanent co-host of the fourth hour with Jenna Bush Hager.
Public Absence and Updates
Sheinelle Jones took an extended leave from the Today Show starting in December 2024. She cared for her husband, who sadly passed away.
In January 2025, she posted on Instagram thanking fans for their support during her absence. She returned to the show on September 5, 2025, in an emotional interview with Savannah Guthrie. She described the experience as a “beautiful nightmare” and encouraged viewers to “celebrate the joy” amid sorrow. She emphasized faith, resilience, and stepping into “mom mode.”
Her colleagues, including Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, and Hoda Kotb, supported her with check-ins and encouragement. On December 9, 2025, NBC announced she would be the permanent fourth-hour co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager. The new show, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, premiered on January 12, 2026.
Fans celebrated her return and praised her openness, calling her a source of hope for anyone facing loss.
Net Worth and Salary
As of late 2025, Sheinelle Jones has an estimated net worth of $25–30 million. Most of it comes from her work at NBC. She earns about $3–4 million per year as co-host of the Today Show’s third hour and, starting January 2026, the fourth-hour show Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
She also makes money from voiceovers, speaking events, brand partnerships (like QVC and Hallmark), and past work at local stations. Her late husband, Uche Ojeh, had an estimated net worth of $8–12 million from his consulting firm, UAO Consulting.
Together, they lived comfortably in Manhattan. They provided private schooling for their three children and supported charitable causes, including education and cancer research.
Public Image and Media Presence
Sheinelle Jones is a strong and relatable anchor on the Today Show. She has over 556K Instagram followers. On social media, she shares family moments, faith reflections, and behind-the-scenes Today clips. Her posts grew by about 10% during her 2025 challenges.
Her husband passing brought her widespread media attention. Outlets like People, NBC Insider, and the Los Angeles Times covered her updates, on-air announcements, and emotional return interview in September 2025. She spoke about her grief, caring for her three children, and raising awareness for brain cancer.
Her December 2025 promotion to permanent fourth-hour co-host with Jenna Bush Hager for Today with Jenna & Sheinelle (starting January 12, 2026) strengthened her public image. Fans and colleagues praised her perseverance and grace, turning personal loss into a story of inspiration.
Final Thought
Sheinelle Jones is a talented journalist and caring co-host. She is also very resilient. She inspires viewers and colleagues with her work on the Today Show. She has faced personal challenges, including her husband’s illness and her own health issues.
Sheinelle balances a busy career with family life while staying private and graceful. She updates audiences on current events and returns to the Today Show after breaks with professionalism. Her strength, perseverance, and authenticity make her a true role model.
By
