Sheinelle Jones, co-host of the “Today” show, is mourning the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was 45 years old. The news was announced on the “Today” show on Friday, with Savannah Guthrie sharing the heartbreaking details.
“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,” Guthrie said through tears. Jones and Ojeh were married for 16 years and have three children together: 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche. The couple first met in the late ’90s while attending Northwestern University and dated for eight years before getting married in 2007.
Guthrie described Ojeh as an incredible person who was loved by all. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children,” she said. “Uche was an incredible person.
We all loved him.”
Maria Shriver, a close friend of Jones, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about the loss.
Uche Ojeh remembered for courage
“Sheinelle was a courteous caregiver, there around the clock, caring, loving, showing up 24/7 for him and for their kids,” Shriver wrote.
“She got him the best medical care. She did everything right, and still, here we are.”
Shriver went on to praise Jones for her strength and dedication to her husband during his illness. “I admire how she stepped up,” she wrote.
“Every time I spoke with her, she kept saying how she was trying and how critical it was for her to be there for every second for every moment.”
Jones had been absent from the “Today” show since January, when she announced that she would be taking time off to deal with a family health matter. “I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote on social media at the time. “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”
The news of Ojeh’s passing has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike.
Former “Today” co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Tamron Hall both shared their condolences on social media, with Kotb writing, “Holding you and your babies Sheinelle,” and Hall commenting that her “prayers and love are with you and your family.”
The “Today” show community has rallied around Jones during this difficult time, with many expressing their admiration for her strength and resilience. “I marvel at your strength,” Guthrie wrote in a tribute to Jones. “We love you and the kids with all of our hearts.”
As Jones and her family navigate this profound loss, they can take comfort in the love and support of their friends, colleagues, and fans.
The passing of Uche Ojeh is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones.
