Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Her Healing Journey

In the wake of immense loss, Sheinelle Jones, beloved anchor of NBC’s Today show, has taken her first steps back to work after the passing of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who lost his battle with brain cancer in May 2025. The emotional toll of returning to work was heavy, and on her first day back, Sheinelle could not hold back tears as she shared her grief in an interview with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Surrounded by the warm embrace of her colleagues, Sheinelle was candid about her sorrow, and her vulnerability resonated deeply with viewers who admired her courage.

However, as the days passed, Sheinelle took a different approach to navigating her grief, making a conscious decision to incorporate small but powerful changes in her daily life. These adjustments helped her reclaim a sense of joy while still honoring the profound love and grief she carries for Uche.

A small yet profound change

One of the most significant changes Sheinelle made was in her morning routine. Upon returning to work, she found herself tiptoeing around her home early in the morning, as she had done for years to avoid disturbing Uche. But the reality of his absence struck her hard that morning. “I was tiptoeing around, and then I thought, ‘Oh, wait. You’re not here. I can turn the light on,’” Sheinelle shared in a heartfelt social media video.

This moment, both painful and eye-opening, became the catalyst for change. Instead of continuing to walk through her home in the dark as if Uche were still there, Sheinelle made a deliberate choice to move freely. She began turning on the lights, embracing her space without the familiar caution that had once been a part of her daily routine. This simple yet powerful shift allowed her to create a new sense of normalcy, one that acknowledged her grief while also helping her step into her day with a renewed sense of purpose.

A change in her commute

Another significant change Sheinelle made was in her route to work. In the past, her commute to the NBC studio took her past a museum where she and Uche had shared a special impromptu date. She vividly recalled how Uche, dressed in a suit and tie, had surprised her with a spontaneous visit to the museum, followed by tea and croissants at a café. The memories of that day were so vivid that passing the museum during her first week back left Sheinelle in tears, a moment she shared with her followers.

“I was crying all the way home,” Sheinelle said. To protect her emotional well-being, Sheinelle made the choice to change her route, steering clear of the places that brought such poignant memories. This simple act of self-care helped her approach each day with a clearer mind, unburdened by the weight of the past, and allowed her to focus more fully on her work and the healing process.

The importance of small adjustments

These seemingly small adjustments — changing her morning routine and her route to work — had a profound impact on Sheinelle’s ability to cope with her grief. In a recent update, she shared that these changes had helped her to step into her workday with a sense of joy and purpose. She described the feeling as transformative, noting that it allowed her to reconnect with her work in a meaningful way, while still carrying Uche’s memory with her.

“It’s like I can do this, and he’s still there in some way,” Sheinelle said, her voice filled with tenderness and resolve. “I’m fighting for my joy.” This sentiment struck a chord with many viewers, who admired Sheinelle’s resilience and the strength it took to make these life-changing decisions. Her story is one of bravery, showing that even in the face of heartache, it is possible to find a path forward and rediscover moments of light.

Support from co-workers and the Today family

Throughout her healing journey, Sheinelle has been supported by her colleagues at Today, who have rallied around her with warmth and love. After Sheinelle shared her update on social media, Jenna Bush Hager commented, “Love love love,” while Al Roker wrote, “You are so loved. We feel complete.” These messages of encouragement were a reminder of the strong community Sheinelle has within her Today family.

Returning to work surrounded by friends and colleagues has been an important source of comfort for Sheinelle. She has spoken about how much she loves doing the show, explaining that it has become her “happy place.” Yet, she’s also candid about the duality of her experience: “When the show’s over, it’s like, ‘Okay, this is my reality.’ It’s a constant wave.” Despite the emotional highs and lows, Sheinelle is learning to embrace both sides of her experience — finding joy in her work while still honoring the grief she carries.

A message of hope and strength

In a recent interview with Savannah Guthrie, Sheinelle shared that she has come to terms with the fact that she doesn’t need to search for a “new me” after Uche’s passing. “I am still me, and that’s why I’m here. I’ll stop searching for a new me and just be me,” she said, offering a message of hope and acceptance to viewers who may be struggling with their own losses. Her words were a reminder that even in the darkest times, it is possible to find strength, honor what has been lost, and continue living with purpose.

Sheinelle’s journey back to work, filled with small yet significant changes, has been a testament to her resilience and determination. By choosing to fight for her joy and find ways to carry Uche’s memory with her, she has shown that healing is not about forgetting but about finding new ways to move forward, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

A new chapter

For Sheinelle, this chapter is just beginning, and while it may be filled with both joy and sorrow, she is learning to navigate it one day at a time. Her courage in sharing her story and the adjustments she has made in her life offer a source of inspiration to others facing their own battles with grief. In the end, Sheinelle’s journey is not just about loss but about the strength to live fully — and to keep moving forward with the memory of loved ones by your side.