TodayCo-Host Sheinelle Jones' 'Family Health Matter' Is 'Serious,' Source Says: 'A Sensitive Time' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sheinelle Jones on ‘Today’ in November 2024.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Sheinelle Jonesrevealed on Wednesday, Jan. 15 that she is taking an extended break from theTodayshow to deal with a family health matter. And while she did not disclose the nature of the issue, a source close to Jones tells PEOPLE the situation is “serious.”

According to the insider, the health matter does not concern Jones herself or the three children she shares with husband, Uche Ojeh: 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche.

“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” the source says. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knitTodayshow family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”

Sheinelle Jones and her kids (Clara, Kayin and Uche) on ‘3rd Hour of Today’ in April 2023.Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Jones, 46, first joinedTodayin 2014 and has been a constant across all ofToday’s programming. In addition to co-hosting3rd Hour of TodayalongsideAl Roker,Craig MelvinandDylan Dreyer, Jones also regularly fills in as co-anchor forToday,and guest co-hostsToday with Hoda & Jenna(now dubbedToday with Jenna & Friends).

The mother of three has been absent from the program since Dec. 18, sparking questions from viewers.

In a post on her Instagram on Wednesday, Jones thanked the fans for their concern. “I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter,” she wrote.

“It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not on the support of myTodayshow family, but to also have all of you,” she added. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon”

The post was signed, “Love, Sheinelle.”

Todayviewers know Jones regularly shares stories about her family on the program and on social media.

Out April 15, the book will feature Jones' own journey through modern parenting as well as valuable lessons about life, love, and parenthood from the moms ofLady Gaga,Kevin Durant,Matthew McConaughey,Venus WilliamsandSerena Williams,Lin-Manuel Miranda,Steph Curry,Padma Lakshmi,Tyra Banks,Donnie WahlbergandMark Wahlberg,Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski,Jessica SimpsonandAshlee Simpson,Shaquille O’Neal,Brandon Maxwell, theJonas BrothersandThomas Rhett.

Sheinelle Jones and her book.Jamie McCarthy/Getty; G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; G.P. Putnam’s Sons

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Writing the book, Jones told PEOPLE in August, helped her learn things about her own mom.

“Even while I was writing this, there were times that were really tough and I would be writing a chapter with Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mom, and she talked about alcoholism, and I’m going through my own thing and I’m like, ‘You know what? She was able to push through that and motherhood didn’t stop,’” Jones said.

“And so I think you’ll find a thread at the end of this book. I hope it’s inspiring,” she added. “I hope people laugh a little bit. They may shed a tear or two, but ultimately it’s my love letter to moms.”

TheTodayshow airs weekdays (beginning at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.

source: people.com