Sheinelle Jones stepped into the studio as the new permanent co‑host of TODAY’s fourth hour, but a 16‑year‑old son’s question turned a professional milestone into a heart‑warming family moment.
A Surreal New Chapter
When the fourth hour of TODAY with Jenna Bush Hager is recorded, the episodes are usually pre‑taped on Friday mornings. Kayin, Sheinelle’s 16‑year‑old son, noticed this schedule and approached his mother with a playful request. “So does that mean, Mom, you can take us to school sometimes in the morning on Friday?” he asked, and the room filled with a ripple of awwws from Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer.
Light‑Hearted Exchange
Sheinelle laughed and replied, “I was like, ‘You like me?’” She added that she joked with the co‑hosts, “Maybe you guys can make me breakfast.” The exchange was shared during the third hour of TODAY on Dec. 10, a day after Jenna announced Sheinelle’s new permanent role, a moment Sheinelle described as “surreal.”
Encouragement From a Co‑Worker
A co‑worker later reassured her, “You don’t have to land. Just float.” Sheinelle said, “I feel like I haven’t landed yet,” but the supportive comment helped her navigate the transition.
Personal Loss
She shares three children—Kayin, 13‑year‑old twins Clara and Uche—with her late husband, Uche Ojeh, who died at 45 from brain cancer in May after 17 years of marriage. Returning to work in September brought a complicated mix of emotions.
Reflections on Grief
In a conversation with Jenna in September, Sheinelle said, “My coach was gone, right?” She added, “My life partner.” She noted, “The days after my first week were tough, because this is my new normal.” These remarks underscore how the loss of her husband continues to shape her daily life.
Family Support
Kayin, Clara and Uche were the first people Sheinelle told about the fourth hour. “They were so happy for me,” she recalled. “There was so much joy in our house, and we needed that joy. When I came back from leave, I talked about fighting for my joy. This is what it looks like,” Sheinelle said, emphasizing the importance of joy in her family’s healing process.
Key Takeaways
- Kayin’s question highlighted the pre‑taped Friday schedule of the fourth hour.
- Sheinelle’s playful response brought laughter from the studio crew.
- The story reflects how Sheinelle balances new professional responsibilities with the grief of losing her husband.
The article first appeared on TODAY.com.
