Sheinelle Jones is the co-host for the week alongside Jenna Bush Hager on Jenna & Friends.
The NBC personality has only been back to work for a little over two weeks after taking time away to take care of her husband as he battled cancer. She left last December and returned to work earlier this month.
Unfortunately, Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, lost his battle in May. Returning to her Today family was vital for her, especially as they rallied around her during her time of need.
Working alongside Bush Hager this week is familiar. She and Jones would fill in for the original hosts, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. It has been a full circle moment for the friends.
Viewers have hoped for her appearance as co-host for the week since Kotb left her role to spend more time with her children. However, with Jones away, it hadn’t happened—until now.
It was an emotional morning for the co-hosts, but it felt good.
Sheinelle Jones cries with Jenna Bush Hager
As the women began to talk about Sheinelle Jones and how she navigated the loss of her husband, there wasn’t a dry eye in the studio. Jenna Bush Hager praised her co-host for handling things and being strong through it all.
Even though it had been months since Jones returned to Today, it felt like she was still there. When Bush Hager mentioned that to Jones, she responded, “It feels like I was never gone, and then, it also feels like it was nine months.”
From there, things got even more emotional as the two discussed Uche Ojeh’s death and his send-off. Bush Hager stated that the funeral was the most beautiful one she’d attended. Jones wanted to give him the “best send-off,” and Bush Hager confirmed that is precisely what her friend accomplished.
Jenna Bush Hager puts surprise together
Jenna Bush Hager and several other friends have stood by Sheinelle Jones for the last year. Several people have impacted her life from the beginning of the battle to the end.
Bush Hager wanted to surprise Jones. She had several of Jones’ friends send video messages, which were shared on Jenna & Friends. And that was just the beginning. All the women showed up in the studio and sat on the couches with Jones and Bush Hager.
It was an hour that highlighted true friendship and meaningful relationships.
Jenna & Friends airs weekdays on NBC.
