Today Show’s Sheinelle Jones Mourns Husband Uche Ojeh’s Death at 45
You probably had no clue about this, so I’ll bring you up to speed: Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who passed away at 45. Ojeh lost his battle with cancer on July 31, 2023, after displaying remarkable resilience throughout his diagnosis. If you’ve somehow missed all the tributes pouring in, let me clarify the key facts you need.
Ojeh was first diagnosed with stage two cancer five years ago, and after surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, he appeared to be in remission. Sadly, complications returned last spring, leading to an aggressive resurgence that even top oncologists couldn’t halt. Sheinelle — who has anchored Today’s third hour since 2014 — issued a statement via NBC News and People Magazine on August 1, 2023, revealing the family’s devastation and celebrating her husband’s unwavering spirit. Sources tell ET that friends and colleagues described Ojeh’s final weeks as filled with moments of laughter, gratitude, and unwavering love for his two children, 7-year-old Aarya and 5-year-old Uche Jr.
Before his illness took center stage, Uche Ojeh was known as a technology consultant and former broadcast engineer, having worked behind the camera at several Philadelphia news stations. He and Sheinelle met in 2012 at a charity gala, tying the knot a year later in an intimate ceremony. Insiders recall that his calm demeanor and sly sense of humor perfectly balanced Sheinelle’s on-air energy. In her August 2 post on Instagram, she wrote, “My rock, my love, my partner — Uche, you taught me courage. I’ll spend forever missing you.”
Credible outlets like People Magazine and ET have confirmed the timeline, while NBC Today footage from August 1 featured Sheinelle delivering an emotional on-air tribute, holding back tears as she celebrated her husband’s “heroic fight.” The Today show community has rallied around her, sending flowers, sharing memories, and offering support through a GoFundMe campaign for long-term medical and living expenses that quickly surpassed its $100,000 goal.
If you’re wondering what happens next, NBC insiders hint that Sheinelle will step away from the desk for at least two weeks of bereavement—just enough time to plan a private memorial in New Jersey, where the couple settled in 2016. Meanwhile, fans can expect a special Today segment exploring the realities families face when cancer returns, inspired directly by the Ojeh family’s journey. Stay tuned, because I’ll make sure you don’t miss a single update on tributes, fundraisers, or how Sheinelle keeps Uche’s legacy alive for Aarya and Uche Jr. Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, NBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
