Sheinelle Marie Jones, born on April 19, 1978, is a distinguished American journalist, news anchor, and NBC News correspondent. She currently co-hosts the third hour of Today and, as of 2025, has been named the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of Today, succeeding Hoda Kotb. She also hosts Wild Child, an educational nature program airing on NBC’s Saturday morning lineup.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sheinelle Marie Jones |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Uche Ojeh (married 2007; passed away May 2025) |
| Children | Three (two sons: Kayin and Uche; one daughter: Clara Josephine) |
| Occupations | Journalist, News Anchor, Correspondent |
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sheinelle Jones is the daughter of U.S. District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones II and Sheila Kinnard, who inspired her with a strong sense of purpose and motivation.
She attended Wichita Brooks Middle Magnet School and Wichita Heights High School in Kansas, where she interned at CBS affiliate KWCH-TV.
Jones graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she joined the historically Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Career
Jones began her journalism career at WICS in Springfield, Illinois, followed by roles at KOKI-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and WTXF-TV in Philadelphia, where she worked for over nine years.
She joined NBC’s Weekend Today in October 2014 and became a co-host of 3rd Hour Today in January 2019, stepping away from Weekend Today at the end of 2019.
In 2021, she executive produced the documentary Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret, which highlights fertility challenges faced by women of color.
In early 2025, Jones was announced as the new co-host of the fourth hour of Today, alongside Jenna Bush Hager, following a brief leave to address a family health matter.
Personal Life
Sheinelle Jones married Uche Ojeh in 2007; they met while she was a tour guide at Northwestern University. The couple had three children together.
In late 2024, Uche Ojeh was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. After a courageous battle, he passed away in early 2025.
The news of his death was publicly announced on May 23, 2025, during the Today show broadcast by co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Today family.
Jones took a temporary leave from the show to focus on her family during this difficult time and has shared her journey with strength and gratitude for the support she has received.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Sheinelle Jones’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, accumulated through her successful career in television journalism, hosting, and executive production.
Awards and Honors
Jones has been recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists and the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
In 2021, she was inducted into Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism Hall of Achievement, honoring her outstanding contributions to the field.
