Sheinelle Jones’ Husband, Uche Ojeh, Passes Away at 45 After Battle with Brain Cancer

Uche Ojeh, the husband of Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones, has tragically passed away at the age of 45. He had been fighting glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive brain cancer.

The sad news was shared on Today by Sheinelle’s fellow hosts—Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, and Jenna Bush Hager—on Friday, May 23.

Sheinelle and Uche, who were college sweethearts, had been married for 18 years. They shared a life filled with love and family, raising three children together: their 15-year-old son Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche.

Savannah Guthrie fought back tears as she paid tribute on air, saying, “There are no words to express the depth of our sorrow for Sheinelle and her family. Uche was such an extraordinary man—kind, full of life, and so deeply loved by all who knew him.”

Craig Melvin, a close friend of Uche’s, reflected on his devotion to his family: “He was always at his kids’ soccer games, concerts, and events. He never missed a moment. He truly loved being a father.”

Sheinelle later posted a clip from the tribute on Instagram, expressing her gratitude: “Thank you for all your love and support. ❤️”

Sheinelle, 47, has not appeared on Today since December.. She joined the network in 2014 and has been a regular presence on the show, especially on the 3rd Hour of Today. In January, she explained her time away by saying she needed to focus on a family health issue. At the time, she didn’t share details, but a source later confirmed it was a serious situation not involving her or her children.

Uche was born on February 4, 1980. He met Sheinelle at Northwestern University when she was a freshman and he was visiting the campus. He earned his degree in computer science with a focus on economics in 2001. Uche went on to work in tech and business consulting, including his role as managing partner at UAO Consulting.

After dating long-distance for eight years, Uche proposed to Sheinelle on the very campus where they first met—during a rainy day, which made the moment even more memorable. They got married in Philadelphia on September 2, 2007. Their first son was born in 2009, followed by twins in 2012.

Sheinelle has often shared how much she valued spending time with her family. In a 2019 holiday special, she said, “The laundry might be piling up, but I’d rather focus on enjoying the moment with my kids.”

In 2023, on Uche’s birthday, she posted a slideshow of pictures from their life together and reflected on their journey: “From our college days at Northwestern, to marriage, kids, moving to New York, and countless games and lessons—we’ve been through so much together.”

The Today show aired a tribute video for Uche, calling him Sheinelle’s “perfect match”—a man with a big heart, quiet strength, and joyful energy.

Savannah Guthrie painted a touching portrait of him as a man guided by faith, devoted to his family, and deeply connected to his roots. Uche found joy in playing soccer, lifting his voice in the church choir, and sharing the rich traditions of his Nigerian culture with his children.

The tribute closed with these moving words: “Today, we honor Uche—a loyal partner, an adoring dad, and a gentle spirit who left a lasting impression on all who knew him.”

Source: people