Sheinelle Jones has finally addressed her days-long absence from the beloved news program.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, she took to Instagram to offer an explanation about her sudden disappearance, revealing that she’s “taking time 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 said, “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.”
“I’ll see you soon,” she concluded, though she did not share her planned return date.
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Jones’ absence began on Hoda Kotb’s final day with the program, with Al Roker simply noting, “Sheinelle is off,” while filling in for her on Friday, Jan. 10, according to the Austin-American Statesmen. Newly appointed co-anchor Craig Melvin reiterated the sentiment on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Fans were surprised to see that the show didn’t air “even a recorded piece” from the correspondent. Many expressed concern for the missing media personality on social media.
Not even a recorded piece from @SheinelleJones on the @TODAYshow for @hodakotb ‘s last day?! Seems odd. Hope she’s ok.
— Sarah Bartok (@SarahBartok) January 10, 2025
“Hope all is well!” one fan replied, in part, while another expressed “worry” over Jones’ “extensive absence.”
As viewers speculated about the reasons fueling her absence, one pointed out, “Has it occurred to anyone there might be a serious health issue for her or family member? She posted about pancreatic cancer several weeks ago.”
The journalist took time off from the series back in November 2024, during which she shared a post from NBC colleague Dave Price—who lost his brother to pancreatic cancer—as reposted by Hello!.
“Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day. To those who are fighting and to those friends I love who know the sting of this all too well… let’s do what we can to raise awareness, money for research and get screened,” she wrote at the time.
It’s unknown what member of her family is facing health problems, nor what those problems are.
Next: Today‘s Al Roker Reveals Co-Host Sheinelle Jones’ Uncomfortable Wardrobe Malfunction
