Sheinelle Jones Gets Choked Up Celebrating Birthday on “Today” After Hard Year: 'Couldn't See the Light at the End of Tunnel'
Sheinelle Jones Gets Choked Up Celebrating Birthday on “Today” After Hard Year: 'Couldn't See the Light at the End of Tunnel'
Rachel McRadyFri, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC
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Sheinelle Jones celebrates her birthday with Jenna Bush HagerCredit: TODAY -
Sheinelle Jones celebrated her 48th birthday on Today with a surprise cake featuring her debut book's cover
Her milestone birthday comes after a challenging year, including the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh
Jones' children made a heartfelt appearance on Today to support her during her book launch week
Sheinelle Jones had an emotional birthday celebration with her Today show family.
The Today with Jenna & Sheinelle co-host celebrated turning 48 on the pre-taped Friday, April 17 episode of her show alongside Jenna Bush Hager.
Bush Hager surprised her co-host and friend with a bright pink birthday cake featuring the cover of her newly released book, Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans.
“We love you. We are so happy for you,” Bush Hager told Jones. “You’ve had an incredible birthday week.”
The week was filled with milestones as Jones released her debut book with the support of her family, friends and fans. “Okay, I’m not gonna get all emotional, but 47 was a lot,” Jones admitted. “And now I’m turning 48.”
Jenna Bush Hager hugs Sheinelle Jones during her birthday celebration on 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle' on Friday, April 17.Credit: TODAY
Sounding choked up, she continued, “And 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, just lets you know that if you’re in something, just know that there is light.”
Jones’ birthday last year came just one month before the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, whose condition with glioblastoma had significantly worsened starting in late 2024.
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Sheinelle Jones and her late husband, Uche Ojeh.Credit: sheinelle_o/Instagram
The Today co-host took an extended leave of absence to be by her longtime love’s side and to care for their three children — Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche Jr., 13.
She delayed the release of her book in the aftermath of Ojeh’s death at the age of 45. Now she’s in the midst of a book tour, previously sharing with PEOPLE that she will be traveling on her actual birthday.
“I'll be in the air celebrating,” Jones shared at her book launch party at The Double Knot in New York City earlier this week. “But I promised the kids I'll land in time to celebrate. My birthday's on Sunday, April 19. But I kind of feel like this is 48. I'll take it.”
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones tape their show in Jamaica on March 26.Credit: John Parra/Getty for Sandals Resorts
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On the day of her book launch, Tuesday, April 14, Jones was surprised on the fourth hour of Today by her three kids, marking their first appearance on the show since the death of their father.
"Words can’t even describe it. I’m so happy for you, Mom," Kayin told his tearful mom on the show. "You’ve worked on this since quarantine. We’ve had the ups and downs. I mean, I remember when you lost your computer, it broke even.… We’ve obviously gone through so much, and I’m so happy for you."
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
