Al Roker’s Heartfelt Tribute to Uche Ojeh Leaves TODAY Show in Tears

In a moment that will be remembered as one of the most poignant in TODAY Show history, beloved weatherman Al Roker delivered an emotional tribute to Uche Ojeh, the late husband of co-host Sheinelle Jones, that left the entire studio—and viewers at home—reaching for tissues. The outpouring of grief and love came during a recent broadcast on May 23, 2025, when the show announced the tragic passing of Ojeh at age 45 after a private battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Roker, known for his warmth and humor, became so immersed in sharing his memories of Ojeh that he didn’t realize the profound impact his words were having on everyone around him until the moment had passed.

A Studio United in Grief

The TODAY Show has always prided itself on being more than just a morning news program—it’s a family. And when one of their own suffers a loss, the entire team rallies together. Sheinelle Jones, a vibrant and beloved co-host of the show’s third hour, has been absent since December 2024, citing a “family health matter” on Instagram. It wasn’t until Savannah Guthrie’s somber announcement that the public learned the heartbreaking truth: Uche Ojeh, Sheinelle’s husband and father to their three children—Kayin, 15, and twins Clara and Uche, 12—had succumbed to his illness.

As the news broke, the studio atmosphere shifted. Al Roker, a veteran of the show and a close friend to Jones, took the lead in paying tribute to Ojeh. What began as a heartfelt reflection quickly turned into an emotional outpouring that resonated deeply with his colleagues and the audience. “I didn’t even realize it at the time,” Roker later shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 launch event in New York on May 28, 2025. “I was just talking about Uche, about who he was, and then I looked up, and everyone was in tears. My voice was cracking, and I realized I was right there with them.”

A Man Who Left a Lasting Impression

Uche Ojeh was, by all accounts, an extraordinary man. Described by his TODAY Show family as humble, wickedly funny, and fiercely devoted to his wife and children, Ojeh’s quiet strength left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Roker, 70, recounted a particularly vivid memory that encapsulated his admiration for Ojeh. “There was this one moment that I’ll never forget,” he said, his voice softening. “Uche was training for a triathlon, and he showed up in this three-quarter wetsuit. I looked at him and thought, ‘My God, it’s the prince of Wakanda!’ I said it out loud, and everyone laughed, but I meant it. He had this presence, this quiet confidence that just drew you in.”

Roker’s lighthearted anecdote, which he jokingly referred to as his “man candy crush” on Ojeh, was a testament to the late husband’s charisma. But it was the deeper moments—the private conversations, the way Ojeh lit up when talking about his kids—that truly deepened Roker’s affection. “He was the kind of guy who didn’t need to be the loudest in the room,” Roker shared. “But when he spoke, you listened. And when he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh with him.”

A Family in Mourning

Sheinelle Jones has always been a beacon of positivity on the TODAY Show, her infectious smile and warmth endearing her to viewers and colleagues alike. But behind the scenes, she was grappling with an unimaginable burden. According to a source close to the show, only a select few—top executives and main anchors—were aware of Ojeh’s diagnosis. “Sheinelle kept it so private,” the insider revealed. “She didn’t want the focus to be on her pain. She was focused on her family, on being there for Uche and their kids.”

Jones’ absence from the show since December was a quiet one, with no public indication of the gravity of her situation. When she finally broke her silence on Instagram, sharing a clip of her colleagues’ on-air tributes, her words were simple but heartfelt: “Thank you, for all of your love and support .” The post was a rare glimpse into her grief, a moment of vulnerability from a woman known for her strength.

Dylan Dreyer, another close friend and co-host, spoke to Us Weekly about the delicate balance of supporting Jones. “She’s such a close friend, and I still don’t have the words,” Dreyer, 43, admitted. “I’ve reached out, but I don’t want to push too hard. She’s juggling so much right now. All I can say is, ‘I’m here. Whenever you need a hug, I’ll be there in a second.’ I pray for her every night.”

The TODAY Show Family Rallies Around Jones

The TODAY Show team has always been tight-knit, and their response to Ojeh’s passing was no exception. Savannah Guthrie, who delivered the initial announcement, spoke with raw emotion, saying, “There are no words for the pain that we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him.” Her words set the tone for a broadcast filled with love and remembrance.

Each co-host shared their own memories of Ojeh, painting a picture of a man who was both larger-than-life and deeply grounded. Dreyer described him as a “special guy,” someone whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression. “I’m so blessed to have gotten to know him,” she said, her voice catching. “He had this way of making everyone feel seen.”

Roker, however, was the one who brought the studio to a standstill. As he spoke, his voice grew hoarse, his usual jovial demeanor giving way to raw emotion. “We tend to say, ‘I know what you’re going through,’ but nobody really knows unless you’ve been there,” he said on air. “We just want to be there for Sheinelle, to honor Uche’s memory, because he’s going to live on in those kids and in all of us.”

A Legacy of Love

As the TODAY Show navigates this loss, the focus remains on supporting Jones and her children. There is no set timeline for her return, with sources indicating that the team is giving her all the time she needs. “Everyone is shocked and just so sad,” the insider shared. “She’s been so quiet, focusing on her family. No one can imagine what she’s going through.”

Meanwhile, the TODAY Show family continues to celebrate each other’s milestones, even in the face of grief. At Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 launch event, Roker and Dreyer were among those cheering on their former co-host, who left the show earlier in 2025 to pursue new ventures. “She’s found her place,” Roker said of Kotb, 60. “We’re so thrilled for her.” Dreyer added with a laugh, “She’s too happy to come back!”

But even in moments of joy, the shadow of loss lingers. For Roker, the memory of Uche Ojeh remains vivid—a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of connection. “He was one of a kind,” Roker said, his eyes glistening. “And we’ll carry him with us, always.”

As Sheinelle Jones and her family navigate this heartbreaking chapter, they do so with the unwavering support of their TODAY Show family and viewers around the world. Uche Ojeh’s legacy—of love, laughter, and devotion—lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and in the tears shed in a studio that will never forget his impact.