In a moment that brought tears and cheers to viewers nationwide, Sheinelle Jones, the beloved co-host of NBC’s TODAY show, made her triumphant return to Studio 1A on Friday, September 5, 2025, after a heart-wrenching nine-month hiatus.

The 47-year-old journalist’s absence followed the devastating loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, who passed away at age 45 on May 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma.

Jones, who has been a beacon of warmth on the TODAY show’s third hour alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, stepped away from the spotlight in December 2024 to focus on her family and navigate the profound grief of losing her partner of 18 years.

Now, as she reclaims her place on the morning show, Jones is leaning on the sister-like support of her close friend and co-host Dylan Dreyer, whose own recent life changes have inspired a bold piece of advice: start anew.

Jones’ return was nothing short of emotional, marked by a deeply personal pre-taped interview with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who announced the news on September 2. “She and her family have been through so much,” Guthrie shared, her voice thick with emotion, as she teased the “special message of hope” Jones would deliver. In the interview, Jones opened up about her grief, calling it a “beautiful nightmare” and admitting, “My heart still hurts.”

Yet, she expressed a fierce determination to fight for her joy, not just for herself but for her three children—Kayin, 16, and twins Uche Jr. and Clara, 13. “If you see me laughing or having a good time, root for me,” Jones urged viewers, her words resonating with anyone who has faced loss. Her TODAY family, including Melvin, Roker, and Dreyer, welcomed her back with open arms, their reunion a testament to the tight-knit bond that has sustained Jones through her darkest days.

At the heart of Jones’ journey forward is the “overwhelmingly kind” support of Dylan Dreyer, who has become a pillar of strength for her friend. Dreyer, 44, has faced her own challenges recently, announcing her separation from her husband earlier this year. While her loss is not as profound as Jones’, the meteorologist’s decision to prioritize her happiness has sparked a transformation in her life, one she now hopes to inspire in Jones.

Speaking to Access Hollywood at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in July 2025, Dreyer shared an update on Jones, saying, “She’s in mom mode right now. She has three young kids that she has to care for. It’s a really tough time for the family.” But Dreyer’s advice to her best friend goes beyond words of comfort—she’s urging Jones to embrace a fresh start. “Start a new life in a new environment,” Dreyer advised, according to sources close to the TODAY team. “Holding on to old memories in the same space can make it harder to heal.”

Dreyer is practicing what she preaches. Following her separation, she made the bold decision to sell the New York home she shared with her ex-husband, a move that has allowed her to reclaim her sense of self. “It’s about creating a space where you can breathe again,” a source quoted Dreyer as saying.

“She told Sheinelle that staying in a house filled with memories of Uche might keep her anchored to pain.” Dreyer’s choice to let go of her past has not only revitalized her presence on the TODAY show but also inspired waves of viewer support, with fans praising her resilience on social media. Now, she’s wrapping Jones in that same spirit of renewal, encouraging her to consider a similar path.

For Jones, the idea of leaving behind the home she shared with Uche is daunting but not unthinkable. The couple’s New York residence, filled with memories of their 17-year marriage and raising their three children, has been a sanctuary but also a reminder of loss.

Sources say Jones is “seriously weighing” Dreyer’s advice, with whispers that she may be exploring new properties to create a fresh chapter for herself and her kids. “Sheinelle’s not ready to make any big moves yet,” a friend revealed, “but Dylan’s words have planted a seed. She knows that a change of environment could help her family heal.”

The TODAY show family has rallied around Jones, with Guthrie, Melvin, and Roker offering unwavering support. “We all loved Uche,” Guthrie said during the May 23 broadcast, announcing his passing. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children.”

Jones’ return has been a beacon of hope for viewers, many of whom have flooded social media with messages of encouragement. Her memoir, Through Mom’s Eyes, originally set for release in April 2025, has been delayed to February 2026, giving Jones time to process her grief and share her story on her terms.

As Jones steps back into the spotlight, she’s not just fighting for her joy—she’s inspiring others to do the same. Dreyer’s advice, born from her own journey of renewal, may be the key to helping Jones find light in the darkness.

Whether she chooses to stay in her New York home or embark on a new adventure, one thing is clear: Sheinelle Jones is back, and with her TODAY family and fans by her side, she’s ready to write the next chapter.