Sheinelle Jones Says Late Husband Uche Ojeh Was Watching Over Her as She Gets New ‘Today’ Role

Sheinelle Jones knows her late husband is still her biggest cheerleader.

On the Dec. 9 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, Jenna Bush Hager welcomed Jones to celebrate the news that she’s been named permanent co-host of the show’s fourth hour, beginning Jan. 12.

“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,” said Jones on air, referring to her late husband Uche Ojeh’s glioblastoma diagnosis. “You couldn’t write this script.”

Jones stepped back from Today in late 2024 to be with her family. She shares children Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche Jr., both 13, with Ojeh, who died in May from the aggressive form of brain cancer.

“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,” Bush Hager said.

“They were. 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,” Jones explained.

“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 continued.

Jones returned to Today in September, and has been vocal about her journey and how she’s trying her best daily to navigate loss and find happiness.

“For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding. I just want you to know, if you see me here, that means you can do it too. And we’re all gonna fight for our joy,” Jones said. “If you see me laughing and when you see me having a good time with my sister-friend here. That means you can get up and conquer your day too.”

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Today with Jenna & Sheinelle will premiere on Monday, Jan. 12. The new show comes nearly a year after former co-host Hoda Kotb exited Today to spend more time with her kids Haley Joy, 8, and Hope Catherine, 6. 

In the last year, Bush Hager has welcomed more than 60 celebrity guest co-hosts on Today with Jenna & Friends.