Sheinelle Jones, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, is taking a leave of absence to attend to a family health matter. Jones shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday morning, and co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin addressed her absence at the start of the 8 a.m. hour. Guthrie acknowledged viewers’ concerns, saying, “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too,” and expressed the cast’s support. Melvin added, “Sheinelle, we all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back.”
Jones has been part of the Today show team for over a decade, joining the weekend edition in 2014. In 2019, she became a co-host of the third hour, working alongside Dylan Dreyer, Craig Melvin, and other NBC News talent.
Jones’ recent absence sparked viewer speculation, coinciding with a period of significant transition for the Today show cast.
Craig Melvin officially stepped into his role as lead co-anchor on Monday, joining Savannah Guthrie at the main desk. Melvin’s promotion followed Hoda Kotb’s announcement last year that she would be leaving the show.
Kotb’s departure also impacted the fourth hour of Today, which she co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager. Temporarily renamed Today With Jenna & Friends, the program features rotating guest hosts while NBC searches for Bush Hager’s permanent co-host. Kotb finished on Friday with an emotional farewell and will transition to a different role within NBC News.