In a world often clouded by grief and loss, the “Today” show family has once again proven that love, compassion, and unity can shine through even the darkest times. Sheinelle Jones, the vibrant co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today,” has faced an unimaginable tragedy with the passing of her beloved husband, Uche Ojeh, at the age of 45 in May 2025. Yet, in the face of this devastating loss, her colleagues Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer have stepped up in a way that has left the world in awe, pledging their unwavering support to help Jones continue her inspiring project aimed at supporting women navigating fertility challenges and pregnancy difficulties. This heartfelt mission, born from Jones and Dreyer’s own painful experiences with miscarriage, has taken on new meaning, with Roker’s extraordinary compassion redefining what it means to be a true ally and a good man.
A Love Story Cut Short
Sheinelle Jones and Uche Ojeh’s love story was one for the ages, beginning with a serendipitous meeting at Northwestern University in the ‘90s. Their romance blossomed into an 18-year marriage, blessed with three beautiful children—Kayin, 15, and fraternal twins Uche and Clara, 12. Uche, a private consultant known for his sharp wit and quiet strength, was the heart of their family, a devoted father who never missed a soccer game or school recital. But in May 2025, the “Today” family and viewers worldwide were heartbroken when Savannah Guthrie announced on air that Uche had succumbed to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after a courageous battle.
Jones, who had been absent from the “Today” show since December 2024 to care for her husband during his illness, shared her grief with grace, posting on Instagram, “Thank you, for all of your love and support.” Her colleagues, including Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, and Dylan Dreyer, surrounded her with love, with Dreyer noting, “She’s just the bright light when she walks into the room.” But it was the extraordinary support from Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer that has captured hearts, as they vowed to help Jones carry forward her passion project—a mission deeply personal to all three.
A Mission Born from Pain
Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer’s fertility project, which gained attention through Jones’ 2021 documentary Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret, is a beacon of hope for women facing the often isolating challenges of fertility struggles and pregnancy loss. The project, which Jones executive-produced, was inspired by a deeply personal truth: both she and Dreyer have endured the heartbreak of miscarriage. For these two women, the intense pressures of their high-profile roles at NBC—long hours, relentless schedules, and the emotional toll of being in the public eye—contributed to their losses. The documentary shed light on the silent struggles many women face, offering a platform for open conversation and support.
Jones, 47, has always been candid about her journey, using her platform to destigmatize discussions around fertility and miscarriage. Dreyer, 43, echoed this sentiment, sharing how their shared experiences forged a bond that goes beyond their on-screen chemistry. “We’ve been through it,” Dreyer said in a recent interview, her voice thick with emotion. “Sheinelle and I know the pain of losing a pregnancy, and we know how isolating it can feel. That’s why this project means so much to us.” Their mission is to provide resources, community, and hope to women navigating these challenges, whether through support groups, educational outreach, or storytelling that amplifies their voices.
Al Roker’s Heart of Gold
While Jones and Dreyer’s personal connection to the project is deeply moving, it’s Al Roker’s involvement that has left fans and colleagues stunned, redefining what it means to be a compassionate ally. Roker, 70, has been a fixture on the “Today” show for decades, known for his infectious laugh and warm presence. But his decision to step up for Jones and Dreyer in the wake of Uche’s passing has revealed a depth of empathy that has inspired millions.
During the May 23, 2025, broadcast, Roker paid tribute to Uche, calling him “wickedly funny” and “humble,” and even shared a lighthearted memory of his “man candy crush” on Uche during a triathlon training session. But behind the humor lies a profound commitment to supporting his grieving colleague. Sources close to the “Today” show reveal that Roker was one of the first to reach out to Jones when she stepped away from the show, offering not just words of comfort but a promise to help her keep her fertility project alive.
What makes Roker’s involvement so remarkable is his personal motivation. Unlike Jones and Dreyer, Roker’s support isn’t rooted in personal experience with miscarriage but in a deep understanding of loss and resilience. Roker has faced his own health battles, including prostate cancer in 2020, and has spoken openly about the importance of family and community in overcoming hardship. “I’ve seen what Sheinelle and Dylan have been through, and I’ve seen how they’ve turned their pain into purpose,” Roker shared in a recent interview. “I can’t sit back and watch Sheinelle carry this burden alone, especially now. If I can help lift her up, I will.”
Roker’s actions have gone beyond words. He’s reportedly been working behind the scenes to secure funding and partnerships for the fertility project, leveraging his industry connections to ensure its continuation. He’s also taken on a mentorship role, guiding Jones and Dreyer as they navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of expanding their outreach. “Al’s been our rock,” Dreyer confided. “He’s not just a colleague; he’s family.”
A Community United
The “Today” show family’s response to Uche’s passing has been nothing short of extraordinary, with tributes pouring in from colleagues like Katie Couric, who lost her own husband to cancer, and Craig Melvin, who recalled his final golf outing with Uche. But it’s the collective effort to support Jones’ mission that has resonated most deeply with viewers. The fertility project, which includes plans for expanded support groups and a potential follow-up documentary, is now seen as a tribute to Uche’s legacy—a way to honor his memory by helping others.
Jones, though still grieving, has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you,” she wrote on Instagram. Her colleagues have promised she’ll return to the “Today” show when she’s ready, with Dreyer noting in April 2025 that Jones “does have plans to eventually return.”
For now, the focus remains on the fertility project, which has taken on new urgency in the wake of Uche’s passing. Jones has shared that the work gives her purpose, a way to channel her grief into something meaningful. “Uche was my biggest cheerleader,” she said in a recent statement. “He’d want me to keep going, to keep helping others.”
A Legacy of Love and Compassion
As the “Today” show family rallies around Sheinelle Jones, the world is watching a powerful example of what it means to show up for those you love. Al Roker’s selfless support, Dylan Dreyer’s shared vulnerability, and Sheinelle Jones’ unwavering strength are a testament to the power of community in the face of loss. Their fertility project, born from pain but fueled by hope, is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.