Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs
The “family health matter” that is keeping Shenielle Jones away from the “Today” show is reportedly very “serious.”
A source close to the news anchor, however, told People that it does not involve herself or the three children she shares with husband Uche Ojeh: 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche.
“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” the insider told the outlet Wednesday.
“She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit ‘Today’ show family and co-hosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”
The update comes just a few hours after Jones vaguely explained why she had been absent from the NBC talk show for nearly a month.
“Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
“I want to share that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter. It’s not lost how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you,” the journalist, 46, added.
“Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
Jones — who was last on the show on Dec. 18, 2024 — was showered with support from fans and colleagues in the comments section.
“You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always ❤️,” co-host Jenna Bush Hager wrote.
“we love you so. not the same without you. we will see you soon ❤️,” Savannah Guthrie added.
“We love you ….. you are being held….. you are family xoxo,” Hoda Kotb, who celebrated her final day at “Today” Friday, commented.
“You are where you are supposed to be we are with you ❤️,” journalist Maria Shriver said comfortingly.
“❤️❤️❤️,” former MTV’s “Total Request Live” host Carson Daly wrote.
Jones, who joined “Today” in 2014, is one of the three main co-anchors for the show while also co-hosting the third hour with Dylan Dreyer, Al Roker and Craig Melvin.
