Navigating Grief with Kids: Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Life After Loss

I’m Avery Sinclair, a no-nonsense journalist with a healthy dose of skepticism, but a passion for delivering the facts. As a self-proclaimed sarcastic cynic who doesn’t buy into the hype, I’ll provide you with a sharp, no-BS summary of Sheinelle Jones’ journey through unimaginable loss.

Sheinelle Jones, cohost of Today, recently shared her heart-wrenching experience of explaining grief to her three kids after the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May. Uche, a consultant and devoted father, passed away at 45 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. As Sheinelle reflected on her loss in a September 5 interview with Savannah Guthrie on Today, she revealed that navigating her grief while caring for her children has been a daunting challenge.

“That’s what makes this harder,” Sheinelle said, her voice cracking with emotion. “There are times where if I could just stay in bed, keep the door closed, not answer my phone and just sit, it would be amazing.” However, she acknowledged that she can’t indulge in such luxuries, as she has three young children – Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche, 13 – who are watching her every move.

Sheinelle’s approach to coping with her grief has been to view it as a wave, likening it to rain that will eventually pass. “Grief is like a wave, and what I’ve told my kids, it’s almost like rain can’t last forever,” she explained. “So when the rain comes, in some ways I’ve just learned to look up at the rain and let it be a cleansing rain and let it clear the air.” This perspective has allowed her to confront her emotions head-on, rather than fearing or avoiding them.

As Sheinelle navigates this new reality, she’s been open about the difficulties of adjusting to life without Uche. “I’m okay, day to day, I’m okay,” she shared. “From a macro picture, how am I doing? My heart is shattered, my heart is shattered into a million pieces.” The life she had known since she was 19, when she met Uche at Northwestern University, is no more.

Sheinelle and Uche would have celebrated 18 years of marriage this month, and their loss is still deeply felt by their Today family. In a tribute to Uche, Craig Melvin, a cohost, recalled their golf games and Uche’s devotion to his family. “He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud,” Craig said. “He was that dad that was on the sideline at every soccer game, all of the concerts, recitals. He was that guy.”

Sheinelle’s return to Studio 1A alongside her cohosts was a testament to her strength and resilience. In May, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she received after Uche’s passing, writing, “Thank you, for all of your love and support.”

Throughout his battle with glioblastoma, Uche remained devoted to his faith and Nigerian heritage. Sheinelle shared that their children dressed in “native Nigerian wear” for their baptism, a testament to Uche’s cultural roots. As a father, Uche prioritized his family, and his legacy lives on through Sheinelle and their children.

As Sheinelle continues to navigate her grief, she’s found solace in her children’s company and the support of her Today family. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, Sheinelle’s determination to face her emotions head-on and find a way to heal is a beacon of hope for those who have experienced similar losses.

And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Today
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed