Today host Sheinelle Jones got emotional on her final day hosting the third hour of the NBCmorning show.
On Friday, Jan. 2, Jones, 47, signed off for the final time before joining Jenna Bush Hager, 44, as the new permanent co-host of Today’s fourth hour. Jenna & Sheinelle will officially kick off on Monday, Jan. 12.
As Craig Melvin, 46, introduced a segment highlighting some of Jones’ top moments during the third hour of Today, she fanned her eyes, telling herself, “No crying.”
Al Roker, 71, then said, “Here’s the deal: We have been fortunate enough to have you with us. But we’ve also been fortunate enough to see the people who have made you who you are. And I think nothing encapsulates as much as this piece of video you shared.”
Today then played a clip featuring Jones, her daughter, Clara, her mother, Sheila, and her grandmother, prompting Jones to dry her eyes.
After that, Dylan Dreyer, 44, cued up a 2018 clip of Jones attempting to teach her how to dance. Dreyer also called her colleague a “dear friend,” adding, “My laughter around you is so genuine.”
“You’re so real and authentic on camera and off,” Melvin said to Jones, avoiding her gaze so he didn’t start crying. “And when you shared your mantas and you share your poetry with us and with the world, I always enjoy those moments. They make my heart smile.”
After playing a clip of Jones reading a poem she wrote, Melvin shared an original poem of his own.
“In the glare of the cameras, your light shines through, a sister, a leader, so fearless and true,” he began. “You juggle the chaos. Three hearts call you mom. Yet walk into work with that grace and calm. The stories you tell come straight from the soul. Authentic and kind, journalism’s gold.”
Melvin then touched on Jones losing her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May, when he died after a battle with brain cancer.
“The loss you endured, the world also saw. Yet still you rise daily, inspiring all,” he continued. “That smile could outshine the studio’s gleam. A spark of resilience, hope and dream. Through laughter and tears, you’ve guided my way. There’s Sheinelle, my sister in spirit, you brighten each day.”
By the end of the reading, Jones was holding back tears as she hugged Melvin.
To end her goodbye, Jones declared, “It has been my honor to be a part of the nonsense people. I mean, you know you made it when you get, like, a cartoon that calls us the nonsense people. And once a nonsense girl, always one. You’re not getting rid of me.”
She concluded, “To you guys at home, thank you so much for all of it… This has been one of the best rides of my life, with you guys.”
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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
