Sheinelle Jones Shows Support for Today Show Co-Star Al Roker’s Family Following Difficult Time
Sheinelle Jones, a beloved member of the
Today Show
team, has been away from the morning program for personal reasons,
but that hasn’t stopped her from showing support for her co-stars during tough times.
This week, Jones made a heartfelt gesture toward her longtime colleague and friend, Al Roker, following the tragic loss of his first wife, Alice Bell.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Al Roker’s Late Wife
Al Roker’s daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, shared the heartbreaking news of her mother Alice Bell’s passing at the age of 77.
In an emotional tribute posted on social media, Courtney reflected on her mother’s love and the cherished memories they shared.
“She was my mother, my heart, and the most loving grandmother to Sky. I was with her for her last breath, and I will carry her love with me always,” Courtney wrote alongside a collection of family photos.
Sheinelle Jones was among the many who showed their support, liking Courtney’s post as a quiet but meaningful way to express her condolences. The
Today Show
team is known for its close-knit bond, and Jones’ small yet thoughtful action highlighted that sense of family among the show’s co-hosts and contributors.
The Outpouring of Love and Support
Jones wasn’t the only
Today Show
personality to send well wishes to Roker’s family during this difficult time. Former
Today
co-host Tamron Hall commented, “Sending our love,” while
Today
contributor Joy Bauer added, “So much love.”
Al Roker, a staple of
Today
since 1996, has built strong friendships with his colleagues over the years, and their unwavering support in times of sorrow is a testament to the bond they share.
Sheinelle Jones’ Absence from the
Today Show
While Jones took the time to acknowledge Roker’s loss, she has been noticeably absent from the
Today Show
in recent weeks. On January 15, her co-hosts addressed her time away from the program, explaining that she was dealing with a personal family health matter.
Savannah Guthrie shared an update on air, saying, “We want to share some news about our friend Sheinelle. She posted to Instagram this morning, letting everyone know she has been taking some time off to deal with a personal family health matter. She thanked everyone for their kindness and concern about her. We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too.”
Prior to the announcement, Jones took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the outpouring of love and concern from fans. “Hi everybody… I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter. 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. Love, Sheinelle,” she wrote.
A Strong Bond with Her
Today Show
Family
Since joining the
Today Show
in 2019, Sheinelle Jones has formed close relationships with her colleagues, especially Al Roker. The
Today
team has often spoken about how they consider each other a family, supporting one another through professional and personal hardships.
This sense of camaraderie has been evident over the years, whether it be celebrating milestones together or offering comfort during tough times. Roker himself has received an outpouring of love from his co-hosts during past health scares, and the loss of his former wife has once again brought the
Today
team together in solidarity.
A Dedicated Mother and Journalist
Away from the spotlight, Jones is a dedicated mother of three. She and her husband, Uche Ojeh, share 15-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche. Despite her busy career, she is incredibly devoted to her children, frequently sharing moments from their lives on social media.
One particularly touching moment she shared was a recent visit to the White House, where she and her son Kayin met President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Jones described an emotional exchange between the president and her son, recounting how Biden told Kayin, “Son, I want to tell you the most important thing. Remember I told you this: always take care of your mother.” Kayin responded, “I will. Yes sir.”
Jones reflected on the moment in her Instagram caption, writing, “It felt like Biden stopped the clock for a second … so we could take it in. I got a little teary when we left that beautifully decorated room. It was a night we’ll always hold dear.”
Looking Ahead
As Sheinelle Jones continues to take time off for personal reasons, her
Today Show
family and fans eagerly await her return. In the meantime, her quiet show of support for Al Roker and his family speaks volumes about the kind of person she is—one who, despite facing her own challenges, never hesitates to be there for those she cares about.
While the
Today Show
team navigates both personal hardships and professional commitments, their bond remains unshaken. Through life’s ups and downs, they continue to show that they are more than just co-workers—they are a family.
