NBC Anchor Sheinelle Jones' Husband, Uche Ojeh, Passes After Cancer Battle

 

The hearts of the NBC Today show family and viewers worldwide are heavy today, as co-anchor Sheinelle Jones mourns the devastating loss of her beloved husband, Uche Ojeh. Uche passed away at the age of 45, after a courageous and incredibly difficult battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and unforgiving form of brain cancer.

The somber news was shared during Friday's broadcast of the Today show, with a visibly emotional Savannah Guthrie leading the announcement. “There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children,” Guthrie conveyed, her voice filled with sorrow. “Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him... Sheinelle’s perfect partner in life.”

Uche Ojeh was more than just a husband and father; he was a respected consultant at UAO Consulting, where he dedicated over a decade of his career. His love story with Sheinelle was one for the ages, beginning serendipitously during their college days at Northwestern University, when she was a freshman tour guide and he, a visiting high school senior. That chance encounter blossomed into a love that spanned nearly two decades, culminating in their marriage in 2007 and the raising of their three cherished children.

This loss marks a deeply personal tragedy for Sheinelle, who had been on leave from the Today show since December. In January, she had revealed she was stepping away to manage a private family health matter, which is now understood to be connected to Uche's illness.

Colleague Craig Melvin shared touching memories on air, painting a picture of Uche as a "hands-on dad" who was always present, cheering from the sidelines at every soccer game, attending every recital and school concert. "He loved those kids more than anything in the world,” Melvin lovingly recalled. “He was proud. He was that guy, the one cheering on the sidelines.”

Sheinelle has been an integral part of the Today family since 2014, becoming a co-host of the show's third hour in 2019. Her absence has been felt by many, and now, so is the immense grief she carries.

Uche Ojeh leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family, his children, and the woman who was truly his partner in life. May his soul find eternal peace.