Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Her Absence From 'Today' Show

Ever wonder why Sheinelle Jones wasn’t around last week on the 'Today' show? Well, she cleared it up for everyone this week. In her signature warm and engaging style, Sheinelle explained why she had to take a day off and what she was up to during that time.

Sheinelle’s Philly Adventure

On Monday, November 18, Sheinelle gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her weekend plans. “I wasn’t here Friday,” she said with a smile. “I went right outside of Philadelphia to speak with the Society of Professional Women. It was an incredible experience! So many amazing women from the Philadelphia area gathered together to discuss important issues and celebrate their achievements.”

Sheinelle shared that she stayed until the very end of the event, making sure to connect with as many attendees as possible. “I talked to almost every single one of the women when it was over. I love being part of these kinds of events—it’s all about empowering each other. Girl power!”

Sheinelle didn’t stop there. After the event, she hustled back home to take on another role—soccer mom. “And then I rushed home and was a soccer mom,” she joked, revealing the dual life of a busy working mom.

Family Life: Balancing Work and Home

Sheinelle, who shares son Kayin and twins Uche and Clara with her husband, Uche Ojeh, knows how to juggle her professional and personal life. “With all three of my children, I try to show them that they’re ALL a team, and they have to take care of each other,” she told Today.com back in 2015.

Sheinelle emphasizes the importance of individual attention while fostering teamwork among her kids. “At the same time, I’m learning that they each like to know they’re special on their own. They often come to me for individual affirmation and then head back into the ‘group’ ready to play as a team. It’s all about balance!”

Back on the Set

Sheinelle returned to the 'Today' show on Tuesday, November 19, but it wasn’t the usual lineup. Costars Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer were absent from the program. Savannah Sellers stepped in to join Sheinelle, 46, and Craig Melvin at the news desk in Al, 70, and Dylan’s absence.

Craig explained that Al was taking a well-deserved day off, while Dylan was out on assignment covering the factory that makes floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “It’s always exciting to see behind the scenes of such a beloved holiday tradition,” Craig added.

Despite the missing faces, Craig, 45, and Sheinelle were thrilled to have Savannah, 28, join them. “As Sheinelle likes to say, we have a cousin joining the show,” Craig joked, giving Savannah an official “upgrade” to cousin status.

Sheinelle Jones Addresses Recent Today Absence: 'I Rushed Home'
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Craig Melvin Steps Into the Spotlight

November has been a big month for Craig Melvin, as he was recently announced as the replacement for Hoda Kotb. Hoda, 60, will officially step away from 'Today' in the new year, allowing Craig to take over her early morning anchor duties. “I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig expressed during an episode of the talk show while sitting beside his colleagues. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Al Roker appeared virtually to congratulate his costar on his big achievement. “I’m so proud and so happy for [Craig] right now,” the meteorologist said during his video appearance. “He is so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”

Hoda also approved of the network’s decision. “She couldn’t be happier about it,” an insider told Closer on November 14. “She had no say in the decision, but she thinks Craig was a good choice.”

While the transition is bittersweet for Hoda, she remains excited about the next chapter in her life. “It’s bittersweet because she’s sad that this chapter in her life is coming to a close,” the source added. “She’s not regretting her decision to leave, she’s still very excited about moving on, but Craig’s announcement just made it more real.”

Sheinelle Jones Breaks Silence After Today Absences: Statement | Closer

Sheinelle Jones Breaks Silence After Today Absences: Statement | Closer

Today's Sheinelle Jones asks for support in personal message during

Today's Sheinelle Jones asks for support in personal message during

What Happened to Sheinelle Jones on 'The Today Show'?

What Happened to Sheinelle Jones on 'The Today Show'?

Detail Author:

  • Name : Miss Ally Conn
  • Username : bwaelchi
  • Email : billie.lockman@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-07-17
  • Address : 406 Angelita Plaza East Edwinton, DE 41887-7999
  • Phone : 1-360-308-9935
  • Company : Rice, Marvin and Anderson
  • Job : Teacher
  • Bio : Voluptate et sit quas sed non aut vitae. Amet nobis quia dolorum adipisci. Officia non tempora cumque nobis. Consequatur nesciunt molestiae minima quia necessitatibus aperiam quo et.

Socials

linkedin:

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/catharine_real
  • username : catharine_real
  • bio : Aut voluptatem natus repellat fuga rerum aut quidem. Consequatur numquam et cupiditate.
  • followers : 3546
  • following : 1348