'Today' show co-host Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, has died following a long battle with brain cancer. He was 45. The news was announced on air Friday morning amid Jones’ extended absence from the NBC talk show, reported New York Post.
"With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma," Savannah Guthrie said.
“There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.”
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Al Roker also shared his memories, describing Ojeh as a “private guy” with a sharp wit and a humble spirit. Sources close to the family told Page Six that Ojeh faced his illness with remarkable courage.
Sheinelle and Uche’s love story began in the late 1990s at Northwestern University, where fate brought them together. Sheinelle, then an 18-year-old freshman, volunteered to show a visiting high school senior around campus. That student was Uche. Their connection was instant, and over the next eight years, their bond only deepened. Uche eventually proposed to Sheinelle on that same beloved campus where it all began.
They tied the knot in September 2007 in Philadelphia, Sheinelle’s hometown, and welcomed their first child, Kayin, in August 2009. Three years later, in July 2012, their family grew with the arrival of twins—son Uche and daughter Clara. Uche was guided by his unwavering faith, love for family and friends, and a strong pride in his Nigerian heritage, which he lovingly passed on to his children. He brought joy and dedication to everything he did—whether it was playing soccer, singing in the church choir, or simply being present.
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“He talked about those kids all the time,” Craig Melvin shared on TODAY. “He loved them more than anything in the world. He was so proud—always there on the sidelines at every soccer game, every concert, every recital. He was that dad. And together, he and Sheinelle had such a beautiful love story.”
Their partnership was marked by deep support and shared celebrations of each other’s achievements, big and small. When Sheinelle crossed the finish line of her first New York City Marathon two years ago, Uche was right there, cheering her on with pride. Just weeks earlier, she had done the same for him when he completed a triathlon—proof of a love built on mutual encouragement and unshakable devotion.
Jones has been absent from the “Today” show since December 2024. She shared a brief update with fans on Instagram in January, explaining she was dealing with a “family health matter.”
“I’m fully aware of how fortunate I am—not only to have the unwavering support of my ‘Today’ show family but also to have you,” the anchor said warmly. “Your kindness truly means the world to me. I’ll see you soon.”
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A source later told People that the situation was very serious.
“Sheinelle is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans and viewers during her absence,” the insider shared. In April, her “Today 3rd Hour” co-hosts Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer confirmed they had been in regular contact with her throughout the challenging time.
“I just spoke to her a couple of days ago,” Melvin told Access Hollywood. “She’s taking time to be with her family, and we stay in touch regularly.”
Roker added, “We’re keeping her in our prayers.”
"With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma," Savannah Guthrie said.
“There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.”
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Sheinelle Jones’ husband death news
Following a heartfelt tribute to Ojeh, Craig Melvin emotionally reflected on how deeply Jones’ late husband loved their three children, saying he cherished them “more than anything else.”
Al Roker also shared his memories, describing Ojeh as a “private guy” with a sharp wit and a humble spirit. Sources close to the family told Page Six that Ojeh faced his illness with remarkable courage.
Sheinelle and Uche’s love story began in the late 1990s at Northwestern University, where fate brought them together. Sheinelle, then an 18-year-old freshman, volunteered to show a visiting high school senior around campus. That student was Uche. Their connection was instant, and over the next eight years, their bond only deepened. Uche eventually proposed to Sheinelle on that same beloved campus where it all began.
They tied the knot in September 2007 in Philadelphia, Sheinelle’s hometown, and welcomed their first child, Kayin, in August 2009. Three years later, in July 2012, their family grew with the arrival of twins—son Uche and daughter Clara. Uche was guided by his unwavering faith, love for family and friends, and a strong pride in his Nigerian heritage, which he lovingly passed on to his children. He brought joy and dedication to everything he did—whether it was playing soccer, singing in the church choir, or simply being present.
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“He talked about those kids all the time,” Craig Melvin shared on TODAY. “He loved them more than anything in the world. He was so proud—always there on the sidelines at every soccer game, every concert, every recital. He was that dad. And together, he and Sheinelle had such a beautiful love story.”
Their partnership was marked by deep support and shared celebrations of each other’s achievements, big and small. When Sheinelle crossed the finish line of her first New York City Marathon two years ago, Uche was right there, cheering her on with pride. Just weeks earlier, she had done the same for him when he completed a triathlon—proof of a love built on mutual encouragement and unshakable devotion.
Jones has been absent from the “Today” show since December 2024. She shared a brief update with fans on Instagram in January, explaining she was dealing with a “family health matter.”
“I’m fully aware of how fortunate I am—not only to have the unwavering support of my ‘Today’ show family but also to have you,” the anchor said warmly. “Your kindness truly means the world to me. I’ll see you soon.”
ALSO READ: 10 ways Trump's 'big beautiful bill' could affect your wallet
A source later told People that the situation was very serious.
“Sheinelle is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans and viewers during her absence,” the insider shared. In April, her “Today 3rd Hour” co-hosts Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer confirmed they had been in regular contact with her throughout the challenging time.
“I just spoke to her a couple of days ago,” Melvin told Access Hollywood. “She’s taking time to be with her family, and we stay in touch regularly.”
Roker added, “We’re keeping her in our prayers.”
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