Sheinelle Jones Says She ‘Can’t Stop Crying’ as She Marks First Birthday Since Her Husband Uche Ojeh's Death

The 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle' co-host turned 48 on April 19

NEED TO KNOW

• Sheinelle Jones celebrated her 48th birthday while reflecting on her first without her late husband Uche Ojeh
• Jones’ children shared heartfelt birthday messages, with her son Kayin calling her “my world” on social media
• Ojeh died in May 2025 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer

Sheinelle Jones’ 48th birthday was an emotional one. 

The Today with Jenna & Sheinelle co-host celebrated her birthday on Sunday, April 19, and in a post shared to her Instagram, Jones noted how it was her first without her husband of nearly two decades, Uche Ojeh, who died in May 2025.

“As I literally sit here – in tears – on an airplane headed home, I think it’s the perfect moment to check in with you,” began the Today anchor. “Today is my 48th birthday, and to be honest- I can’t stop crying. Thankful tears, painful tears because it’s my first without Uche, and tears full of gratitude reflecting on the last 7 days,” she added, appearing to reference her tour for her new book, Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans. 

“I have never felt so much love in my life. Thank you for the prayers and support over the last year. I don’t have the words to express how it feels to have SOLD OUT crowds in every city … and what it feels like to take these group photos with your smiling faces. 🥹 Uche loved The Beatles; as I mark the beginning of “48” – I do .. feel the sun. Thank you so so much. 🎂," she concluded.

Jones’ carousel post featured photos from her book tour, as well as a clip of her looking emotional as she prepared to blow out candles on a huge, bright pink cake. 

"We love you and celebrate you every step of the way! 💗💗," wrote Deborah Roberts, wife of Today co-host Al Roker, in the comments section. 

Jones’ Today show family celebrated her birthday on a pre-taped April 17 episode of her show alongside Jenna Bush Hager. 

Bush Hager, 44,  surprised her co-host and friend with another bright pink birthday cake featuring the cover of her book.

“We love you. We are so happy for you,” Bush Hager told Jones. “You’ve had an incredible birthday week.”

“Okay, I’m not gonna get all emotional, but 47 was a lot,” Jones admitted. “And now I’m turning 48. And when I turned 47, it was a tough day on my 47th birthday and I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. So for 48 to be so wonderful and to be here with you and you guys, just lets you know that if you’re in something, just know that there is light.”

Jones’ birthday last year came just a month before the death of her husband.

Ojeh died in May 2025 at the age of 45 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. 

The news was announced by Jones’ Today co-hosts on the May 23, 2025, broadcast. 

Jones and Ojeh, whose full name was Uchechukwuka Adenola Ojeh shared three children: son Kayin, 16, and fraternal twins Clara and Uche, 13.

Kayin wished his mom a happy birthday on social media, writing on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair, “Happy Birthday, you’re my world,” with a heart emoji. Reposting the message on her Instagram Stories, Jones added, “Thank you Kayin! You made me a mom. Best job in the world. Love you!” 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Jones’ only daughter Clara also had birthday wishes for her mom, writing, “happy birthday mom, I love you soo much.” 

“Aww love you CValara! I feel so lucky God chose me to be your mommy!” wrote Jones as she reposted a throwback snap of the two on her Instagram Stories.

Read the full article here