It happened slowly, then all at once. If you’re a regular viewer of NBC’s morning block, you probably noticed a familiar face was suddenly missing from the desk. We’re talking about Sheinelle Jones. For years, fans have affectionately referred to her by various nicknames, and some viewers searching for "Chanel" are actually looking for the latest on the Third Hour staple who seemingly vanished from the airwaves.
She wasn't fired. She didn't quit in a huff. Honestly, the reality is much more heartbreaking and human than the typical tabloid rumors.
The Mystery of the Missing Anchor
Starting in late 2024, the Today Show lineup started looking a little thin. Sheinelle—whose name is often phonetically searched as Chanel—was noticeably absent from her usual spot alongside Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, and Al Roker. At first, people figured it was just a long vacation. Maybe a holiday break? But weeks turned into months.
Social media went into a bit of a tailspin. "Where is Sheinelle?" became the dominant question in the comments of every Today Instagram post. People were genuinely worried. She has been a fixture since 2014, and her high-energy personality is basically the caffeine that gets many viewers through the 9:00 AM hour.
The silence from the network was loud. Eventually, Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin had to address the elephant in the room. They shared a brief, emotional update on air, letting the world know that their friend and colleague was taking time away to deal with a "family health matter." ## Why Sheinelle Jones Left the Show
The truth came out in waves. Life is messy. In mid-December 2024, Sheinelle stepped back to become a full-time caregiver.
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Her husband, Uche Ojeh, had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. If you know anything about that diagnosis, you know it’s a monster. It’s the same type of cancer that took John McCain and Beau Biden. It’s fast, it’s cruel, and it demands everything from a family.
Sheinelle chose her family. She chose to be by Uche's side for the grueling treatments, the hospital stays, and the quiet moments at home with their three children: Kayin, Uche Jr., and Clara.
A Tragic Loss
In May 2025, the news everyone feared was confirmed. Uche Ojeh passed away at the age of 45.
It was a gut punch to the Today family. The anchors were visibly moved when they announced the passing on air. For months after, Sheinelle remained off the grid, focusing on her kids and her own grief. She described the experience of helping her children navigate the loss of their father as a "beautiful nightmare"—a raw, honest look at the complexity of loving someone while they are slipping away.
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The Big Return in 2026
So, what is happening now? If you’ve tuned in recently, you might have seen her back in the studio.
Nine months is a long time in the world of live television. It’s an eternity. But in January 2026, Sheinelle Jones finally made her return to the NBC studios. Her first sit-down interview back was with Savannah Guthrie, and it wasn't the usual lighthearted morning fare. She spoke deeply about the "signs" she feels she receives from her late husband and how she felt she owed it to his memory to keep going.
There was a particularly touching moment during her People cover shoot where she described feeling his presence. It's the kind of stuff that makes you realize these people we see on our screens every morning aren't just "personalities." They're living through the same heavy stuff we are.
Other "Chanels" You Might Be Looking For
Because the internet is a confusing place, sometimes searches for "Chanel on the Today Show" bring up other famous faces. It’s worth clearing the air so you aren't looking for news that doesn't exist.
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- Chanel West Coast: The former Ridiculousness star hasn't been a regular on Today, but she has been making the rounds lately to promote her MTV series West Coast Hustle. She’s been very vocal about her recovery from liposuction and the struggles of being a "mompreneur," which sometimes leads to segments on morning news programs.
- Chanel Iman: The supermodel appeared on the show in 2025 to talk about her wedding to NFL player Davon Godchaux and her new business ventures. She’s a "Model Mom" regular.
- Chanel Ayan: The Real Housewives of Dubai standout is always a favorite for fashion segments. If you saw someone in a 10-foot-tall headpiece or a custom breastplate talking to Hoda and Jenna, that was likely her.
What’s Next for the Today Show Lineup?
The show is evolving. With Hoda Kotb stepping away from her longtime role, there’s been a massive shift in the morning landscape. Craig Melvin is moving into a primary anchor chair, and Sheinelle is stepping into a permanent co-hosting role for the Fourth Hour.
It's a new chapter. It’s bittersweet, obviously. She’s navigating this "new normal" in front of millions of people.
If you’ve been missing that specific spark in the third and fourth hours, rest assured that Sheinelle is back. She isn't "gone"—she was just doing the most important work of her life behind the scenes.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check out Sheinelle's recent interview on the Today website to hear her full story in her own words.
- If you want to support causes related to what the family went through, look into the National Brain Tumor Society, which provides resources for families dealing with glioblastoma.
- Follow the Today show's official social media for the updated 2026 hosting schedule, as roles are still shifting following Hoda's departure.