Sheinelle Jones, the third-hour co-host of “Today,” revealed on Wednesday that she is taking an extended break from the morning show to handle a family health matter. Now, new details have emerged about her absence.
The journalist, 46, did not disclose the nature of the issue, but a source close to Jones told People the situation is “serious.”
The health matter does not concern Jones or her and husband Uche Ojeh’s three children: 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 told the outlet. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit ‘Today’ show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”
Jones has been on “Today” since 2014, cohosting “3rd Hour of Today” next to Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer. The reporter also fills in as co-anchor for “Today” and a guest co-host for “Today with Jenna & Friends.”
In her Wednesday Instagram post, Jones thanked viewers for their concern in the wake of her absence.
“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 the support of my ‘Today’ show family, but to also have all of you,” Jones added. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
Her “Today” family showed their support in the comments section, with Savannah Guthrie writing, “We love you so. not the same without you. we will see you soon.”
Craig Melvin, for his part, chimed in: “We all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back.”
Rounding out the sweet sentiments, Jenna Bush Hager wrote, “You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always.”
After Jones released her statement, Guthrie, 53, read it on the air.
“We want to share some news here about our friend Sheinelle. We know so many of you have been asking about Sheneille and missing her and we miss her too,” said the host, 53.
Jones has been noticeably missing from the show since December 18 and did not attend Hoda Kotb’s monumental last show on Friday, Jan. 10.
“Not even a recorded piece from @SheinelleJones on the @TODAYshow for @hodakotb’s last day?! Seems odd. Hope she’s ok,” one worried fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, at the time.
“I loved the HODA bration but really wondered why Sheinelle Jones wasn’t among the cast?” added another viewer.
Despite her break from the program, Jones is set to release “Through Mom’s Eyes.” The book is inspired by her “Today” segment where she interviews celebrities’ mothers about raising successful kids.
In August, the anchor said the memoir helped her learn things about her own mother.
“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 told the outlet.
“And so I think you’ll find a thread at the end of this book. I hope it’s inspiring. I hope people laugh a little bit. They may shed a tear or two, but ultimately it’s my love letter to moms.”
