Today’s Sheinelle Jones takes time off for ‘her family’s health, it’s important’

Sheinelle Jones revealed the reason for his recent Today show absences.

“Hi everyone…I sincerely appreciate all of you who reached out to me during my absence from the show,” Jones, 46, wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday, January 15. “I want to share with you that I’m taking the time to address a family health issue.

The TV personality went on to note that “I haven’t lost sight of how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today show the family, but also have you all. She ended her post on a sweet note, writing, “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle❤️.

Savannah Guthrie read Jones’ update at the top of TodayWednesday, adding, “We know so many of you are asking about Sheinelle and we miss her, and we miss her too.”

Craig Melvin interjected, saying, “Sheinelle, we all love you and we can’t wait to see you again.”

Jones has been noticeably absent from NBC’s morning show for over a week, after taking a break over the holidays with several of her fellow co-hosts. Her absence continued this week, with Melvin, 45, noting on Tuesday, January 14, that she had the day off.

“What happened to Sheinelle in January 2025 at the 3rd hour???” a fan commented on one of Jones’ recent Instagram posts.

The upload, which she shared in December 2024, featured a photo of herself and her 15-year-old son, Kayin, with the president. Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the 2024 White House Christmas party. (Jones shares Kayin and twins Clara and Uche, 12, with her husband, The Spirit of Ojeh.)

A second user wrote under the post that they “came to her page curious about the same thing with her not being here today.” Hope all is well,” while another commented: “Your fans miss you.” I hope all is well and we will see each other again next week Today. You are very loved by viewers ❤️ ♥️ ❤️.

Jones’ continued absence coincided with two major events Today events, the first being Hoda KotbThe last day of the show, Friday January 10. She was the only one of the show’s main hosts to be absent for Kotb’s farewell celebration, which included celebrity appearances from Gayle King, Simone Biles, Jimmy Fallon and more.

Likewise, she was absent on Melvin’s first day as Guthrie’s newbie. Today co-anchor on Monday, January 13. Jones previously congratulated his fellow Third Hour co-host on his new role via Instagram in November 2024.

“If you’ve watched us over the last decade, you can tell we’re all pretty close,” she captioned photos of Melvin’s on-air promo announcement. “I couldn’t be happier for Craig; When they officially named him this morning, I couldn’t help but cry a little – because I know how hard he worked. …I love you @craigmelvinnbc! Congratulations!!!”

Jones first joined the series as Weekend today co-host in 2014 before beginning her role as third hour co-host in 2019.