At a Glance
- Sheinelle Jones’ husband Uche Ojeh died in May 2025 at age 45
- Ojeh had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in December 2024
- The couple met at Northwestern University in the late ’90s and married in 2007
- They shared three children: son Kayin and fraternal twins Clara and Uche
Why it matters: The Today host’s personal tragedy unfolds publicly as she balances grief with her new role as permanent co-host of the show’s fourth hour.
Sheinelle Jones is mourning the loss of her husband Uche Ojeh, who died in May 2025 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The couple’s nearly two-decade marriage began with a chance encounter at Northwestern University and ended with Jones stepping away from her Today show duties to care for him in his final months.
From Campus Meeting to Lifelong Partnership
Jones met Ojeh during her freshman year at Northwestern University in the late ’90s. She was walking to class when she encountered the high school senior visiting campus.
“I was a fake tour guide … I was just walking to class,” she told the campus magazine. “[I was like, ‘Are you guys lost?’ And] I told him I would take him around because he was cute.”
The following year, Ojeh enrolled at Northwestern, where Jones was studying journalism at the Medill School. He graduated in 2001 with a degree in computer science and economics concentration.
After graduation, Ojeh built a career as a consultant, working for IBM and Accenture before founding UAO Consulting in 2008. He served as managing partner until his death.
The Rainy Proposal and Family Life
After eight years of dating, Ojeh proposed to Jones on Northwestern’s campus during a rainstorm. She had expected proposals twice before – once when he gave her Tiffany jewelry and again during a Cancun trip – but he surprised her both times.
The couple married on September 2, 2007, in Philadelphia, Jones’ hometown. They welcomed their first child, son Kayin, in August 2009, followed by fraternal twins Clara and Uche in July 2012.
Jones often shared insights about parenting their three 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,” she wrote in a 2015 Today website essay. “At the same time, I’m learning that they each like to know they’re special on their own.”
Cultural Heritage and Athletic Pursuits
Ojeh, who hailed from Nigeria, ensured his children connected with their heritage. Jones shared in December 2022 how the family celebrated his cultural background through traditional clothing.
“I think it is important to my husband that my kids are brought up knowing his side and his culture,” she explained. “So, I actually am happy that every year – and even more than every year, whenever we get together – they get new native wear.”
An avid athlete, Ojeh completed a triathlon in October 2023. Jones celebrated his achievement on social media: “My youngest son’s soccer team took first in their tournament… meanwhile dad, AKA, big Uche – conquered a triathlon. It’s something he’s always wanted to do … and he trained really hard for it.”
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In mid-December 2024, Jones temporarily stepped away from the Today show to care for Ojeh. It was later revealed he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He died in May 2025 at age 45.
Following his death, Jones addressed her grief while announcing her new role as permanent co-host of Today’s fourth hour. “For those of you who are holding something, whether it’s grief or pain or whatever you’re holding. I just want you to know, if you see me here, that means you can do it too,” she said. “And we’re all gonna fight for our joy.”
Key Takeaways
- Uche Ojeh died at 45 after a glioblastoma diagnosis, leaving behind wife Sheinelle Jones and their three children
- The couple’s relationship spanned over 25 years, from their Northwestern University meeting to their 2007 marriage
- Jones has publicly shared her grief journey while maintaining her role as Today show co-host
- The family celebrated both American and Nigerian cultural traditions throughout their marriage
