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Sheinelle Jones Breaks Silence After ‘Today’ Absences Spark Concern, Reveals Family Health Matter
Sheinelle Jones spoke out in a statement after her absences from Today sparked fan 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 on Instagram on Wednesday, January 15. “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,” she continued. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle.”
She did not share any further details about the matter in the statement. Sheinelle, 46, did not say when she would be returning to the show.
The NBC personality’s statement came after she missed multiple episodes of the show, including Hoda Kotb’s farewell episode on January 10.
After Sheinelle shared her statement, an insider close to the broadcaster told People that she’s dealing with a “serious” matter.
“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” the insider said. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and cohosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”
In the comments section of Sheinelle’s Instagram post, fans, friends and colleagues rallied to support her amid the private family health matter.
“You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always,” Today cohost Jenna Bush Hager wrote in a comment underneath the post.
“Oh Sheinelle! We have been so worried! Thank you for your post. I’m so sorry to hear there is a health issue. My friends and I are Today Show junkies and have missed you. We KNEW something was wrong when you missed Hoda’s last day. We will be sending so much positive energy your way! Take care,” another person said.
“Hello we figured you missing out on the show meant you were dealing with something more important….we pray for you and whatever you may be facing… keep strong and know that we await seeing you back when that time comes,” another social media user said.
“We love you and miss you!! I woke up this morning thinking about calling NBC to find out what happened to Sheinelle. You bring the sunshine into our lives!! Praying for you and your family,” a fan wrote in a comment.
Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie also addressed Sheinelle’s absence from the program during the episode on Wednesday, January 15.
“We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her,” Savannah, 53, told viewers. “We miss her too.”
“Sheinelle, we all love you and are so looking forward to having you back,” Craig, 46, said. Sheinelle missed Craig’s first day as Hoda’s replacement on January 13.
“We’ll see you soon,” Savannah added.
Outside of her role on Today, Sheinelle is a mom to three kids, Kayin, Uche and Clara, whom she shares with husband Uche Ojeh.
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