After battling a serious illness, Sheinelle Jones’ beloved husband tragically passed away months after her last appearance on “Today.”
Sheinelle Jones, beloved co-host of NBC’s “Today,” is facing a heartbreaking personal loss following the death of her husband of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, at the age of 45. The emotional announcement was made on the May 23 broadcast of “Today.”
According to what was said during the broadcast, Ojeh passed away after a brave battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Jones shared a snippet of the segment on her Instagram page, captioning, “Thank you, for all of your love and support. ❤️.”
In the video, Savannah Guthrie expressed the team’s grief and love for Ojeh, calling him “an incredible person” and acknowledging the immense pain they feel for Jones and their three children.
“And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life,” explained Guthrie right before a video montage showing a compilation of endearing photos of the couple began to play.
Included in the montage was a voiceover that narrated Jones and Ojeh’s beautiful love story that blossomed over the many years they were together. The narrator noted how deeply enamored the duo was with each other and painted a glowing portrait of the amazing man Ojeh was.
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The couple’s love story began at Northwestern University in the late 1990s, where a young Jones, then a freshman, was asked to give a high-school senior a tour of the campus. That senior was Ojeh.
Their connection grew, and after eight years together, Ojeh proposed to Jones at the same university where their journey began.
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They were married in September 2007 in Jones’ hometown of Philadelphia. The couple welcomed their eldest child in August 2009, and three years later, their family grew with the birth of twins in July 2012.
The successful consultant was a man whose life was grounded in faith, family, friends, and cultural pride. He was deeply connected to his Nigerian roots and made it a point to pass that cultural heritage on to his and Jones’ children.
He was also a passionate soccer player and a proud member of his church choir. Colleagues and friends recall his unwavering devotion to his children, always present, always proud.
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In a moving tribute on the show, Craig Melvin described Ojeh as “that dad” who never missed a soccer game, recital, or school event. His love for his children and his pride in their accomplishments were immeasurable.
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The bond between Jones and Ojeh was one of deep mutual respect and affection. Their marriage was filled with everyday moments that reflected their love — small gestures, shared victories, and endless support for each other’s goals.
Just two years ago, when Jones ran her first New York City Marathon, Ojeh was there at the finish line, cheering her on with pride. In turn, Jones celebrated Ojeh’s strength and perseverance when he completed a triathlon shortly before her marathon.
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Their relationship was a testament to enduring partnership and unconditional love. Ojeh’s passing is not only a profound loss for his family but also for the wider “Today” community, where he was known and cherished.
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His spirit — loving, generous, and devoted — leaves an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. As the Jones-Ojeh family navigates this immense loss, the memory of Ojeh remains a source of light and inspiration, celebrated by a community that deeply mourns his absence.
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Months before the tragic news, Jones posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram in January announcing she would be taking some time off to attend to a “family health matter.” She also expressed gratitude to those who had reached out to her, including her “Today” family.
The post came after her last appearance on “Today” on December 18, 2024. Since then, Sheinelle Jones has only been featured in pre-recorded episodes.
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Similar to the beautiful video montage created by the co-hosts of “Today,” Jones has also shared heartwarming memories of her and her late husband on her social media.
She shared a particularly captivating carousel post in September 2023 to mark their 16th anniversary, showcasing striking images from her and Ojeh’s wedding day.
In one photo, the groom beams with joy, his laughter lighting up the moment as the wedding party stands behind him, celebrating with matching smiles and vibrant floral accents.
Another shows the bride, radiant and full of life, turning to the wedding party with a playful grin, her gown sweeping behind her as the sun catches the sheer elegance of the day.
Surrounded by loved ones in a different photo, the couple locks eyes under the golden glow of their ceremony, as Ojeh appears to lift Jones’ veil.
In the second photo, candlelight and reverence fill the space as they stand united at the altar — a solemn, sacred moment in their journey together as husband and wife.
“Happy Anniversary Uche [sic]. ❤️ – It’s amazing how life works sometimes … I was born in Philly … moved away as a baby … visited my father every summer after my parents separated …” began Jones in her post’s caption.
She continued, “But I never imagined I’d end up having some of the best years of my life and career there, getting married in Philly, and ultimately having 3 kids at the same hospital where I was born. ❤️ We’ve created beautiful memories…. here’s to a lifetime more. 16 years! 🥂.”
At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Jones, her and Ojeh’s three kids, family, loved ones, “Today” family, friends, and all who are affected, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Ojeh.
