Sheinelle Jones is sharing a poignant message about her late husband, Uche Ojeh, as she prepares to step into her new role co-hosting TODAY’s fourth hour.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Jenna Bush Hager announced that Sheinelle will soon join her as a permanent co-host of the TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle show, premiering Monday, Jan. 12. Ahead of Sheinelle officially teaming up with Jenna, the two gave fans a taste of what they can expect. Jenna introduced her new co-host to the audience and Sheinelle spoke about how excited she is to enter the next chapter in her life and career.
Sheinelle previously appeared with Jenna as a guest co-host in September, marking her third week back at TODAY after she stepped away following the death of her husband of 17 years. Uche died in May at the age of 45 from brain cancer. The couple welcomed three children together: Kayin, 16, and 13-year-old twins Clara and Uche.
Sheinelle told Jenna Dec. 9 that her children were the first people she revealed the big news to. She said there was so much joy in their house when she told them she is the new co-host of the fourth hour.
“When I came back from leave, I talked about fighting for my joy. This is what it looks like,” Sheinelle said about their reaction and her new role. “It feels divine. It feels like Uche’s up there with God, like, he’s Mr. Competitive, like, ‘Alright, let’s make this happen for Sheinelle.’”
She continued, “I put on his shirt this morning, and I said a little prayer, and I’m like, ‘Let’s go be with — not my friend, but my sister.’”
Sheinelle shared an emotional hug with Jenna who sweetly told her, “There’s nobody I’d rather sit next to.”
Sheinelle then took a moment to address viewers directly who are also battling grief or going through a difficult time. She encouraged them to not give up hope.
“For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding, I just hope you know that if you see me here that means you can do it, too,” she said. “And we’re all going to fight for our joy.”
“When you see me laughing and when you see me having a good time with my sister friend here,” she added while holding Jenna’s hand, “it means you can get up and conquer your day, too. That’s what we’re going to do.”
Sheinelle is taking over the role of co-host from Hoda Kotb, who departed in January of this year after co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna since 2019.
Sheinelle said she recently received a supportive phone call from Hoda, who assured her that working with Jenna will be life changing.
“‘You’re going to talk about how this was a moment that changed your career,’” Sheinelle recalled Hoda telling her. “‘And it was the best decision, for your kids, for you.’ She’s like, ‘Working with Jenna, it’s going to be better than you could ever imagine. You’re going to love it.’”
