ON LEAVE

‘Today’ Host Reveals Reason for Month-Long Absence From Show

Before Wednesday’s announcement, Sheinelle Jones’ co-hosts would say only that she was out for the day.

Today show co-host Sheinelle Jones revealed that her month-long absence from the air is because of a “family health matter.”

“Hi everybody… I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show," Jones wrote Wednesday 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.

“Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon,” she finished.

Jones last appeared on the show on Dec. 18 and has only appeared in pre-recorded episodes since then. She was notably absent from Today host Hoda Kotb’s teary goodbye last week.

Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin touched on Jones’ absence on Wednesday.

“We want to share some news here about our friend Sheinelle… We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her, and we miss her too,” Guthrie said, before reading Jones’ announcement.

“We all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back,” Melvin added.

The anchors of Today 3rd Hour, which Jones also co-hosts, discussed her absence as well.

“We know so many of you are missing her,” host Dylan Dreyer said. “Obviously, of course, we are here too. We can’t wait for her to come back, and Sheinelle, we love you.”

“We love you!” Melvin said, while Al Roker blew a kiss.

Jones has been with Today since 2014. Before Wednesday’s announcement, Jones’ co-hosts would only say she was out for the day.

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