Shienelle Jones speaks out about her husband Uche Ojeh’s passing upon returning to the ‘Today’ show.

Shanell Jones Returns to “Today” After Personal Loss

Shanell Jones made her return to the “Today” show on Friday, coming back more than four months after the passing of her husband, Uche Oje, who lost his battle with a brain tumor.

In an emotional segment, she opened up about the “terrifying” experience, saying her heart felt “shattered to a million pieces.” Through tears, the 47-year-old expressed, “It sucks. It’s day to day. I’m proud of how I’ve handled it so far, and my kids have really stepped up.”

Jones missed several episodes of the popular NBC morning show after her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor and subsequently passed away in May at the age of 45. Reflecting on her experience, she noted that despite the fear, she would choose to live their love story again, even knowing the outcome.

During the show, Savannah Guthrie shared the heartbreaking news of Oje’s death, describing it as a painful loss for Shanell and their three young children. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Shanell and her kids. Uche was a remarkable person whom we all adored,” Guthrie said tearfully.

Craig Melvin also showed his emotion while recalling Jones’s husband, and Al Roker remembered him as “wickedly funny” and “humble.”

Jones had taken an extended break from the morning show as her husband battled with his illness, and this week, her co-hosts excitedly announced her return. “Our beloved Shanell is back on the show,” Guthrie told viewers. “She and her family have gone through so much after the devastating loss of Uche.”

Guthrie mentioned that she and Jones had a meaningful conversation about the strength Jones found in the past months. “We can’t wait to welcome her back to the studio, where she truly belongs,” Guthrie added.