In a heartwarming moment that left viewers reaching for tissues, Sheinelle Jones, beloved co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, was blindsided by an emotional surprise orchestrated by Jenna Bush Hager on the September 22 episode. The big reveal? Six of Sheinelle’s closest friends—her self-dubbed “Secret Society of Sheinelle”—stormed Studio 1A, catching her completely off guard. The group, who have been her rock through the devastating loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, brought tears, laughter, and a powerful testament to the strength of friendship.

 Sheinelle’s husband of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, passed away at 45 in May 2025 after a battle with brain cancer. The loss left Sheinelle and her three children reeling, but her “village” of friends—Karleen Roy, Torrie Duckson, Meki Adefris, Mia Fleming, Jolen Anderson, and Stephanie Thompson—rallied around her. These women, each connected to Sheinelle through different chapters of her life, appeared on TODAY to honor her resilience and share how they’ve supported her through her grief.

“I am in shock,” Sheinelle exclaimed as her friends walked out, her voice cracking with emotion. “Aren’t my friends beautiful? These ladies—Karleen, Torrie, Stephanie, Meki, Mia, and Jolen—are my sisters, my village. They put me back together.”

The surprise began with a taped segment where each friend reflected on their bond with Sheinelle and her strength in the face of tragedy. Karleen Roy, Sheinelle’s cousin, spoke of her “new swag” and how she’s emerged with a commanding presence. Torrie Duckson, who met Sheinelle at a Philadelphia news station, called the group her “Secret Society,” vowing to stand by her “until the end of time.” Meki Adefris, a fellow mom whose kids attend school with Sheinelle’s, and Mia Fleming, a friend from their days at a Tulsa news station over 20 years ago, shared how they’ve helped Sheinelle navigate everything from the healthcare system to her husband’s final hours. Jolen Anderson, a college friend from Northwestern University, and Stephanie Thompson, a physician who met Sheinelle at a conference a decade ago, rounded out the group, each describing their role in picking up the pieces of Sheinelle’s shattered world.

“Her world shattered, and each of us just picks up one piece,” Fleming said in the taped segment, capturing the essence of their unwavering support.

Jenna Bush Hager, who masterminded the surprise, admitted she didn’t overthink the logistics. “I just gave it everything I had,” she said, determined to bring Sheinelle’s support system to the TODAY stage. The result was a tearful, joyous reunion that culminated in Sheinelle raising a toast to “sisterhood and friends.” She reflected on the highs and lows they’ve shared, from “the hardest guttural cry” to the biggest laughs of her 40s, all anchored by the women beside her.

As Sheinelle continues her “restorative tour,” as Roy called it, her friends expressed hope for her and her children, with Uche’s memory guiding them forward. The emotional segment left viewers inspired by the power of friendship and Sheinelle’s incredible strength.