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Tragic Update on Missing ‘Today’ Host Sheinelle Jones

The television host made a statement in January announcing she's taking time away from the show.

It’s been almost four months since β€œToday” host Sheinelle Jones stopped appearing on the show. And while she’s kept private about her personal time away, fans have noticed the β€œToday” family is missing a member. So after weeks of speculation, Jones’ co-hosts on β€œ3rd Hour of Today” took some time to give us an update on her.

This marks one of the rare times Jones’ absence was addressed by the co-hosts. The first time anyone spoke on the matter was when Jones herself took to Instagram in January, one month after she last appeared on air. There, she wrote β€œI sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show.”

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She continued saying she’s β€œtaking time to deal with a family health matter” without giving other details. A source close to the situation told PEOPLE Jones’ situation is β€œserious” before adding this is a β€œsensitive time” for her. These remarks have only been amplified by β€œ3rd Hour of Today” hosts who spoke about it on Friday (April 11).

Craig Melvin, who is the newest addition to β€œ3rd Hour of Today,” told β€œAccess Hollywood” during the interview he’s been keeping in touch with Jones since her temporary departure. β€œShe’s taking some time to be with her family... We talk to her all the time, and we love our girl,” he continued. β€œIt’s been nice to see how much everyone else loves her too.”

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That’s when co-host Al Roker jumped in saying, β€œExactly. We’re just praying for her.” Dylan Dreyer shared the same sentiment adding Jones β€œmisses being here. β€œShe wishes she was here with us.” She continued saying, β€œBut she’s doing what she needs to do. She’ll be back.”

While other details about Jones’ family situation are scarce, fans of hers and of the show have expressed their kind wishes and sympathies. On X, @MLBURNEY wrote β€œSending prayers and best wishes to you and your family, dear Soror. We miss you. Family first!”

Another user, @chellewilsonaka, said Jones β€œhad been on my heart.” It’s clear the co-host is well-loved, and her presence is certainly missed on the show. Jones has been working at β€œToday” since 2019.

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