The launch of Hoda Kotb’s wellness company, Joy 101, on May 28, 2025, in New York City was meant to be a celebration of new beginnings, a vibrant milestone for the former TODAY Show co-host. But the event took an unexpected and deeply emotional turn when Kotb chose to honor Uche Ojeh, the late husband of her colleague Sheinelle Jones, in a way that left attendees stunned and introspective. While the TODAY Show family’s public support for Jones during her profound loss was widely seen as an act of compassion, some whispered that bringing such a somber note to a company launch was ill-timed—potentially unlucky. That is, until Al Roker spoke up, delivering a single, powerful statement that silenced critics and forced even those untouched by personal grief to confront their own hearts.

A Joyful Launch Tinged with Sorrow

Hoda Kotb, 60, has always been a beacon of positivity, her infectious smile and empathetic nature endearing her to millions during her tenure on the TODAY Show. After stepping away from the morning show earlier in 2025 to focus on new ventures, the Joy 101 launch was her moment to shine, a chance to share her vision of wellness and inspiration with the world. The event was attended by a who’s who of media personalities, including TODAY Show stalwarts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer, who came to support their friend and former colleague.

But the atmosphere shifted when Kotb, in a move that caught many off guard, dedicated a portion of the evening to Uche Ojeh, who passed away on May 23, 2025, at age 45 after a private battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Ojeh was the beloved husband of Sheinelle Jones, a co-host of the TODAY Show’s third hour, and father to their three children—Kayin, 15, and twins Clara and Uche, 12. Jones had been absent from the show since December 2024, quietly tending to what she described on Instagram as a “family health matter.” The news of Ojeh’s death, announced by Savannah Guthrie on air, sent shockwaves through the TODAY Show family and its viewers.

Kotb’s decision to honor Ojeh at the Joy 101 launch was unconventional, to say the least. As guests mingled, sipping cocktails and celebrating Kotb’s new chapter, she took the stage and shifted the tone. “Tonight is about joy, but it’s also about love and loss,” she began, her voice steady but emotional. “We’re here to lift each other up, and that means remembering those who’ve touched our lives. Uche Ojeh was one of those people—a man who brought light to everyone he met, especially his wife, our dear Sheinelle, and their beautiful children.”

A Polarizing Gesture

The tribute was heartfelt, with Kotb sharing a personal anecdote about Ojeh’s quiet strength and infectious laugh. She recounted a moment when Ojeh, ever the supportive husband, attended a TODAY Show event and made everyone feel like family. “He had this way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room,” Kotb said, her eyes glistening. She then led a moment of silence, asking guests to hold space for Jones and her family.

For many, Kotb’s gesture was a powerful act of solidarity, a reminder that even in moments of personal triumph, acknowledging the pain of others is a mark of true compassion. “Hoda has always worn her heart on her sleeve,” a source close to the TODAY Show told Us Weekly. “She couldn’t celebrate without recognizing Sheinelle’s loss. It’s who she is.”

But not everyone agreed. Whispers rippled through the crowd, with some attendees feeling the tribute was out of place at a launch meant to celebrate joy and new beginnings. “It was beautiful, but it felt… unlucky,” one guest confided anonymously. “This was Hoda’s big moment. Bringing up such a heavy loss changed the energy. Some of us didn’t know how to process it.” In the world of tabloids, where superstition often holds sway, the decision was seen by some as a risky move, potentially casting a shadow over Kotb’s fledgling venture.

Al Roker’s Words Change the Narrative

The murmurs of unease might have lingered if not for Al Roker, whose presence at the event was a testament to the TODAY Show’s tight-knit bond. Roker, 70, had already moved the nation with his emotional on-air tribute to Ojeh, where he became so immersed in his memories that he didn’t notice the entire studio had been brought to tears. At the Joy 101 launch, he took the stage after Kotb’s tribute, and what he said—spoken only once—silenced the skeptics and left a lasting impact.

“We talk a lot about joy tonight, and Hoda’s right—it’s about love,” Roker began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “But let me tell you something: if you’ve never felt your heart break for someone else, you haven’t truly lived. Uche Ojeh was a man who made us all better, and honoring him here, in this moment, isn’t unlucky—it’s human. It’s what makes us a family.”

The room fell silent. Roker’s words, delivered with the conviction of a man who has seen both joy and sorrow, struck a chord. For those who had never experienced profound loss, his statement was a wake-up call, prompting introspection about empathy and connection. “I’ve never lost someone close, but Al’s words made me think about what it means to really care,” one attendee later shared. “It was like he was speaking directly to my soul.”

A Family United in Love and Loss

Roker’s speech reframed Kotb’s tribute, transforming it from a moment of controversy to one of profound unity. The TODAY Show family—Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Savannah Guthrie, and others—has rallied around Jones in the wake of her loss. Dreyer, 43, spoke to Us Weekly at the event, her voice trembling as she described her struggle to support her friend. “Sheinelle’s my sister, and I don’t have the words,” she said. “I just want her to know I’m here, whenever she needs me.”

Jones herself has remained largely silent, save for an Instagram post sharing her colleagues’ on-air tributes. “Thank you, for all of your love and support ,” she wrote, a simple message that spoke volumes about her gratitude amidst grief. A source revealed that Jones is focusing on her children, with no set timeline for her return to the TODAY Show. “She’s been so strong, but she’s hurting,” the insider said. “The team is giving her all the space she needs.”

A Legacy of Compassion

Kotb’s decision to honor Ojeh at her Joy 101 launch may have raised eyebrows, but it ultimately underscored the values she’s carried throughout her career: empathy, authenticity, and connection. Supported by Roker’s powerful words, the moment became a testament to the TODAY Show’s enduring bond—a family that celebrates together and mourns together.

As Kotb embarks on her new venture, she carries with her the love and support of her colleagues and fans. “Hoda’s found her place,” Roker said, beaming with pride. “But she’s still one of us, and we’re still here for Sheinelle.” For those who witnessed the event, Kotb’s tribute and Roker’s words were a reminder that true joy comes not just from personal triumphs, but from lifting others up in their darkest moments.