Sheinelle Jones Addresses Recent ‘Today’ Absence as Familiar Face Steps in to Cohost

Sheinelle Jones explained the real reason why she was absent from Today last week.

“I wasn’t here Friday, I went right outside of Philadelphia to speak with the Society of Professional Women,” she explained during an episode of the talk show on Monday, November 18. “So many women from the Philadelphia area … but I stayed until the very end and talked to almost every single one of the women when it was over. I love that kind of stuff. Girl power!”

“And then I rushed home and was a soccer mom,” she added.

Sheinelle shares son Kayin and twins Uche and Clara with her husband, Uche Ojeh. The broadcaster loves nothing more than spending time with her children.

“With all three of my children, I try to show them that they’re ALL a team, and they have to take care of each other,” the mom of three told Today.com in 2015. “At the same time, I’m learning that they each like to know they’re special on their own. They will often come to me for individual affirmation and then head back into the ‘group’ ready to play as a team.”

She also appeared on the show on Tuesday, November 19, though costars Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer were absent from the program.

Savannah Sellers joined Sheinelle, 46, and Craig Melvin at the news desk in Al, 70, and Dylan’s absence. Craig said that Al was off for the day and Dylan was out on assignment at the factory that makes floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But Craig, 45, and Sheinelle were happy to be joined by Savannah, 28, on the show. “As Sheinelle likes to say, we have a cousin joining the show,” Craig said.

“The official upgrade!” Savannah said. “You’ve been promoted to cousin,” Craig responded.

It’s been a big month for Craig, as he was recently announced as the replacement for Hoda Kotb. Hoda, 60, will be officially leaving Today in the new year, with Craig set to take over her early morning anchor duties.

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” he said of his promotion during an episode of the talk show while sitting beside his colleagues. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Al appeared virtually to congratulate his costar on his big achievement.

“I’m so proud and so happy for [Craig] right now,” the meteorologist said during his video appearance. “[He is] so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”

And Hoda was happy with the network’s decision on her replacement.

“She couldn’t be happier about it,” an insider told Closer on November 14. “She had no say in the decision, but she thinks Craig was a good choice.”

“It’s bittersweet because she’s sad that this chapter in her life is coming to a close,” the source said of Hoda’s decision. “She’s not regretting her decision to leave, she’s still very excited about moving on, but Craig’s announcement just made it more real.”