‘Today’ Show Cast Speak Out After Death of Star’s Husband

On Friday, May 23, the Today show’s Savannah Guthrie announced that host Sheinelle Jones’ husband Uche Ojeh, 45, died after battling brain cancer. “With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,” said Guthrie on the show. Guthrie went on to share details about Jones and Ojeh’s family. “Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him,” Guthrie said. “Those of us who work alongside Sheinelle everyday know her infectious laugh and that brilliant smile that lights up our studio every morning, a light that would grow even brighter every time she spoke about her husband of 17 years, Uche.”Guthrie said that Ojeh was “a man whose joyful spirit and quiet strength complemented Sheinelle in every way.”Guthrie was surrounded by other Today show hosts: Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly and Dylan Dreyer. Craig Melvin was a longtime friend of Ojeh’s, and shared his own thoughts about the father of three, aged 15 and 12. “One thing he always talked about—he talked about those kids,” Melvin said. “He loved those kids more than anything else in this world, and was just so proud. He was that dad that was on the sidelines at every soccer game. He was at all the concerts and the recitals. He was that guy, and they had such a beautiful love story.”Al Roker said Ujeh was “wickedly funny” and added: “He would say things that kind of caught you off guard, but wasn’t braggadocious or anything. He was a very humble man.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheinelle Jones (@sheinelle_o)
Jones shared a video of the tribute to her Instagram, writing “Thank you, for all of your love and support.” On the post, Guthrie commented “Uche was an extraordinary person. Full of light and heart and faith. Sheinelle, my dearest, we love you and the kids with all of our hearts. I marvel at your strength. You are surrounded by love now and forever.”Dylan Dreyer wrote: “Hoping you can find peace in the love and prayers that surround you and your incredible children. I’m so lucky to have known Uche and his spirit lives on in your family. Love you Sheinelle.”