Today Anchor Sheinelle Jones Honors Late Husband Uche Ojeh's Courageous Battle
Sheinelle Jones, a familiar face from the Today show, was married to her husband, Uche Ojeh, for 17 years prior to his passing in May 2025 at 45 years old.
On the May 23, 2025, broadcast, Savannah Guthrie announced, “With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today cohost Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma.” She added, “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him.”
Guthrie went on to state, “We want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.”
Beyond his wife, Jones, Ojeh is also survived by their three offspring.
Husband of Today Anchor Sheinelle Jones, Uche Ojeh, Dies at 45
Continue reading for a detailed look at their journey together:
1990s
The love story of Jones and Ojeh started at Northwestern University, where she first met him while conducting a campus tour. Their relationship blossomed shortly thereafter, and they spent eight years together before Ojeh popped the question at the university.
September 2007
Jones and Ojeh exchanged vows in Philadelphia, her native city.
August 2009
Their family grew with the arrival of their first child, son Kayin.
July 2012
Three years subsequent, twins Clara and Uche made their family complete.
November 2023
When Jones participated in the New York City marathon, Ojeh was there to support her.
On Today, Jones reminisced, “They say it’s one of the best days of your life. It transcends running. And every time you feel like you can’t run anymore, there’s somebody cheering your name. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If there’s anybody listening to me, and you’ve ever wanted to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone, do it.”
Upon completing the race in slightly over four hours, Jones commemorated the moment with Ojeh and their children.
She also mentioned, “I had my kids' initials on my arm, my husband's initials, and it said 'just do it.’ They are my reason why.”
A month prior, Jones expressed similar pride for Ojeh's accomplishment in his inaugural triathlon race.
Through an October 2023 Instagram post, she shared, “I think it’s so important to celebrate the wins of the people you love — this weekend it was all about ‘The Uche’s.’ My youngest son’s soccer team took first in their tournament … meanwhile, dad AKA big Uche — conquered a triathlon. It’s something he’s always wanted to do …. and he trained really hard for it. I’ve watched both of them — day in and day out … running and kicking balls all over the place. It all paid off. The rest of us in the house are super proud of them.”
February 2024
In a heartfelt birthday message, Jones playfully acknowledged her enduring "crush" on Ojeh.
Her Instagram post read, “I’ve had a crush on you since I was 19 … and I still do. ”
Dylan Dreyer Provides Open Update on Sheinelle Jones During Today Show Absence
January 2025
Jones announced on Instagram her intention to step away from Today temporarily due to a “family health matter,” without disclosing specifics.
Her message stated, “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have, not only the support of my Today Show family, but also to have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
May 2025
Following the announcement of Ojeh’s passing, Jones’ fellow Today anchors extended their sympathies.
Craig Melvin remembered, “One thing he always talked about — he talked about those kids. He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud. He was that dad that was on the sideline at every soccer game. He was at all the concerts, the recitals. He was that guy, and they had such a beautiful love story.”
Jones subsequently shared the Today segment on her Instagram, commenting, “Thank you for all of your love and support. ”
September 2025
On September 5, 2025, Jones made her comeback to Today, where she emotionally discussed Ojeh’s struggle with cancer and her personal sorrow.
Addressing cohost Guthrie, she confessed, “In this moment, I’m OK. Day-to-day, I’m OK. From a macro picture, how am I doing? My heart is shattered in a million pieces. The life that I’ve known since I was 19 is no more. I always wanted kids, and I have three kids of my own now and they lost their dad. I’m their mom, and it sucks. So, how am I doing? It’s day-to-day. I’m proud of myself for how I’ve coped so far. I’m proud of my kids for how we’ve been able to pull through, but it’s horrible.”
Jones further explained her decision to maintain privacy regarding Ojeh’s health condition.
Seated alongside her Today colleagues in the studio, Jones elaborated, “When he got this diagnosis, he asked me, ‘Please, I wanna handle this privately.’ And he was so protective of us and the kids over the years that it was my turn to be protective. And he was so loyal, so it was my turn to be loyal. And we honored that. Now, I feel comfortable talking.”
