The family of journalists and staff at Today are currently grieving a tremendous loss.
Uche Ojeh, the knowing husband of Sheinelle Jones, has been taken from us after losing the fight with glioblastoma at age 45.
No one can find the right words.
On May 23, Today’s hosts — Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer and Jenna Bush Hager — announced the tragic news live after Sheinelle shared her serious illness on social media.
No words can describe the pain we feel along with Sheinelle and her three children, Guthrie said.
I loved the goodness I found in Uche. We all had great affection for him. Family, Sheinelle, Kayin, Uche and Clara and the Ojeh family: we are with you and we love you. We are your family and right now we’re putting all our love your way.
The one who spoke tearfully was Melvin, who said, “He treasured those children above everything else and was so proud of them.” He showed up for every soccer game to cheer from the sidelines. He could be spotted at all shows and concerts as well as at recitals. He was always that sort of guy.”
A caring husband and loving father
Ojeh, who was officially Uchechukwuka Adenola Ojeh, meant so much more to Sheinelle’s fans than just a familiar name — he was a lovely husband, a caring father and someone their daughter saw daily, respected and loved for many years.
It took 18 years for the couple to build their life around their children, including 15-year-old son Kayin and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche.
Jones and Ojeh first met when she was a Northwestern freshman and he was touring the school as a senior in high school. The very same campus would play a role in their engagement story. Eight years after meeting, they were married in her hometown of Philadelphia on September 2, 2007.
Those who knew him best remembered him for his kindness, solid will and loyalty to both his family and his faith. He made sure to attend every soccer game, music recital and gather with his family. My dad sang in his church band, valued his Nigerian traditions and made sure to teach those values to my siblings and me.
Sheinelle’s husband was perfect for her; his positive attitude and steady strength supported her in every way, according to the words Guthrie spoke during Friday’s show. Uche made every room feel more alive, warm and cheerful.
Sheinelle began her first words.
Sheinelle decided to keep her husband’s passing personal and had taken time off from the Today show over December to help Ojeh, referring to things as a “family health matter” in a message on Instagram. Then on Friday, the actress gently broke the silence by posting the show’s memorial to her late husband with the simple message, “Thank you for all of your support! ❤️”
The hard news has unsettled fans as well as the Today team, who are wrapping their arms around Sheinelle and honoring Ojeh as they support her in the coming days.
A commenter said online, “Sheinelle always started our mornings with laughter and happiness.” It’s now time for us to help elevate her.” RIP Ojeh!