‘Today’ Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Confirms Her Absence Is Due to a “Family Health Matter”

Most people who tune into The Today Show don't specifically choose the program just to hear the anchors' take on the 24-hour news cycle. Over the years, some of the news show's staples have become celebrities themselves, as their viewers want to know all the details regarding their love lives, children, and, in many cases, their whereabouts. Several fans have even taken to social media to find an anchor when they go missing from their broadcast.

In January 2025, The Today Show team and viewers gathered to say goodbye to longtime anchor Hoda Kotb, who aired her final broadcast on Today on Friday, Jan. 10.

As the Today team said goodbye to Hoda, eagle-eyed fans realized one of the show's beloved co-hosts, Sheinelle Jones was missing from the celebration. Sheinelle had also missed several Today newscasts in January 2025, prompting fans to wonder what happened to her. Here's what she's said about her absence.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, days after the online search party for Sheinelle, she took to Instagram for the first time since December 2024. In her post, she explained she had been absent from the show due to a family health matter.

"Hi everybody... I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I have been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I'm taking time to deal with a family health matter," Sheinelle wrote. "It's not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me."

Sheinelle didn't share a timeline for when she would be back on the show. However, a source from People shared that the host is taking as much time as she needs to deal with her family's situation, which they've said is "serious."

"Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence," the insider told the outlet. "She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time."

Shenielle's absence from Hoda's last show was something Today Show fans wanted addressed like yesterday. Underneath the show's post about Hoda's farewell episode, where fans can see live updates from the event, a viewer asked why Shenielle didn't join her fellow co-anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly in saying goodbye to the beloved anchor.

"Where’s Sheinelle Jones?" the fan asked on X (formerly Twitter).

Sheinelle has been with Today since 2014, as part of Weekend Today. As of this writing, she's still listed as an anchor of Today Third Hour, along with Craig, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer. She has been absent a few times throughout her decade-long tenure with the show, including in November 2024, when she missed a Today Third Hour segment to go outside of Philadelphia to speak with the Society of Professional Women. However, Shenielle has been absent from a few Third Hour episodes since the holidays and the new year.

While it's unclear where Sheinelle has been lately, fans shouldn't be concerned about her and Hoda being at odds. Although Sheinelle missed Hoda's last show, it likely had nothing to do with her personal feelings towards her friend. Sheinelle has admired Hoda and their friendship throughout their time working together and expressed as much during Hoda's 60th birthday in August 2024.

"To my friend who exudes joy and love every single morning. Love you @hodakotb!!" she said. "I know I say it all of the time, but you make my heart happy."

Sheinelle was also by Hoda's side in September 2024 when the anchor announced her Today Show departure. Sheinelle showed her support for her friend while also showing her how much she would be missed.

“Hoda has a relationship with every single person on this couch in her own way, so I think we’re all just kind of wrestling with it inside,” she said. "But we also know what a dynamic mom you are, and presence you are. And your whole movement with wellness, you are going to change the world. And we know it.”