Today’s Shaynell Jones Takes a Break for Family Health Matter

Shanelle Jones revealed the reason for her recent Today show absences.

“Hi everyone… I really appreciate all of you who reached out while I was away from the show,” Jones, 46, wrote in Instagram message on Wednesday, January 15. “I want to share with you that I am taking time off to deal with a family health issue.”

The broadcaster continued, noting that “I haven’t forgotten how lucky I am to have not only the support of my own Today show the family but also have all of you.” She ended her post on a sweet note, writing, “Your kindness means so much to me. see you soon Love Sheinelle❤️.”

Savannah Guthrie read Jones’ update at the beginning of Todayon Wednesday’s second hour, adding, “We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too.”

Craig Melvin chimed in, declaring, “Sheinelle, we all love you and can’t wait for you to come back.”

Jones has been noticeably absent from the NBC morning show for more than a week after previously taking a break around the holidays with several of her co-hosts. Her absence continued this week, with Melvin, 45, noting on Tuesday, January 14 that she had the day off.

“What happened to Sheinelle in January 2025 on the 3rd hour???” one fan commented on one of Jones’ latest posts Posts on Instagram.

An upload she shared in December 2024 included a photo of her and her 15-year-old son Cain with the president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the 2024 White House Holiday Party. (Jones shares Kayin and twins Clara and Uche, 12, with her husband, Auger’s mind.)

A second user wrote under the post that they “came to her page curious about the same since she wasn’t there today. Hope all is well,” while another commented: “Your fans miss you. Hope all is well and see you next week again Today. You are much loved by the viewers ❤️ ♥️ ❤️.”

Jones’ extended absence coincided with two big ones Today events, the first being Hoda Kotbis the last day of the show on Friday, January 10. She was the only one of the show’s main hosts to be absent for Kotb’s farewell bash, which featured celebrity appearances from Gayle King, Simon Biles, Jimmy Fallon and more.

Likewise, she was absent for Melvin’s first day as a new Guthrie Today leading on Monday, January 13. Jones previously congratulated his fellow Third Hour host on his new role via Instagram in November 2024

“If you’ve watched us over the last decade – you can tell we’re all pretty close,” she captioned the snaps of Melvin’s on-air promotion announcement. “I couldn’t be happier for Craig; when he was officially named this morning I couldn’t help but tear up – because I know how hard he’s worked. … I love you @craigmelvinnbc ! Congratulations!!!”

Jones first joined the series as Weekend today co-host in 2014 before beginning his role as third-hour co-host in 2019.