‘Today’ Host Sheinelle Jones ‘Can’t Stop Crying’ on First Birthday Without Late Husband

For Sheinelle Jones, turning 48 meant sitting with grief and gratitude at the same time — and she didn’t try to hide either one.

The Today cohost opened up about celebrating her first birthday without husband Uche Ojeh, who died at age 45 in May 2025 following a battle with brain cancer. The couple, who were high school sweethearts, shared a son Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche Jr., 13.

Jones gave fans a raw, unfiltered look at her emotions in an Instagram post on Sunday, April 19. “As I literally sit here — in tears — on an airplane headed home, I think it’s the perfect moment to check in with you,” she shared. “Today is my 48th birthday, and to be honest — I can’t stop crying.”

But the tears weren’t all sorrow. Jones described them as a mix — “Thankful tears, painful tears because it’s my first without Uche, and tears full of gratitude reflecting on the last 7 days. I have never felt so much love in my life. Thank you for the prayers and support over the last year.”

On the Friday, April 17 broadcast of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Jones told cohost Jenna Bush Hager just how far she’d come. “When I turned 47, it was a tough day on my 47th birthday and I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, for 48 to be so wonderful and to be here with you, and you guys, is just really — it lets you know that if you’re in something, just know that there is light.”

The milestone came on the heels of her sold-out Through Mom’s Eyes book tour, which launched on Tuesday, April 14. In the Instagram post, Jones expressed deep appreciation for the crowds, writing, “I don’t have the words to express how it feels to have SOLD OUT crowds in every city … and what it feels like to take these group photos with your smiling faces.”

She closed her message with a nod to her late husband’s love of The Beatles, writing, “Uche loved The Beatles; as I mark the beginning of ’48’ — I do .. feel the sun. Thank you so so much.”

Jones also reflected on her journey at the Through Mom’s Eyes book launch at Double Knot NYC, telling Us Weekly, “This year, everybody knows, has been a lot for me. It’s been an emotional roller-coaster.”