“Today Show” host Sheinelle Jones’ absence from viewer’s TV screens has caused quite the stir as of late. But not to worry—there’s a simple, albeit somewhat concerning explanation for it all.
For context, Jones—who is a consistent presence on NBC and serves as one of the cohost on the “Third Hour of Today”—hasn’t been on her usual post since mid-December. Her absence as well as the final send-0ff for fellow longtime “Today Show” host Koda Kotb, which just took place on Jan. 10, has led to quite the shakeup for folks who are used to seeing those familiar faces on their small screens. And while Kotb’s surprising retirement was announced previously and subsequently looming, Jones’ absence feels like a double blow.
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Thankfully, curious viewers got somewhat a salve when Jones posted to Instagram on Wednesday and finally provided an explanation for why she’d been away.
“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 my “Today Show” family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
While she didn’t provide any more details, a source close to Jones spoke to PEOPLE and clarified that the health matter doesn’t have anything to do with herself or any of her three children with whom she shares with her husband Uche Ojeh. However, the source did describe the matter as “serious.”
“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.”
On Wednesday morning’s episode of the Today Show, co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin have also sent their well wishes to their beloved colleague.
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