Today host Sheinelle Jones has lost her husband to an aggressive form of cancer.
Her Today co-hosts shared the heartbreaking news on Friday’s show, revealing Uche Ojeh died at age 45 after fighting a form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. So, so sad. Sheinelle has been off the air since December, saying at the time that she was dealing “with a family health matter.” What a devastating loss. The couple shared kids Kayin, 15, and twins Clara and Uche, 12.
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During the emotional broadcast, Savannah Guthrie fought back tears as she honored her friend’s husband of 17 years, expressing:
“There are no words for the pain that we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. […] We just want to say, Sheinelle, Kayin, Uche and Clara and the Ojeh family: we are with you, we love you. You are our family and we’re just sending all of our love to you right now.”
On the impact he had in his family and community’s lives, she furthered:
“Family, friends, and his deep and abiding faith were always his true north. He was an enthusiastic soccer player, sang in his church choir, and was devoted to his Nigerian heritage, instilling in their children a deep connection to his cultural roots.”
The 53-year-old called the consultant a “perfect match” for the journalist:
“A man who’s joyful spirit and quiet strength complemented Sheinelle in every way. […] Uche was the kind of person who brought life, warmth, and joy to every room. Today with heavy hearts we celebrate his life. Devoted husband, loving father, and a man whose generosity of spirit touched all who knew him.”
Craig Melvin also praised Uche’s love for his family, saying:
“He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud. He was that dad that was on the sideline of every soccer game. He was at all of the concerts and the recitals. He was that guy.”
The TV personality broke her silence on the loss by reposting the segment to her Instagram feed on Friday, writing:
“Thank you, for all of your love and support.
“
“She also included a smiling black-and-white portrait of her late husband on the post. See (below):
You can watch the full Today segment and hear lots more about the couple’s love story (below):
Truly such a gut-wrenching passing. Our hearts go out to Sheinelle, their kids, and all of Uche’s loved ones. May he rest in peace.
[Image via Today/YouTube.]
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