For years, Al Roker has been the cheerful, reliable face of morning television on NBC’s TODAY show, delivering weather forecasts with his signature warmth and humor. But in recent times, fans noticed extended periods where the beloved weatherman was noticeably absent from the studio, sparking concern and speculation. Now, those close to the TODAY family reveal the deeply emotional reason: Roker was profoundly shaken by the devastating personal tragedy affecting his co-host and close friend, Sheinelle Jones.

Sheinelle Jones, a vibrant co-anchor on the show’s third hour alongside Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, suddenly stepped away from the program in late 2024. She later shared that she was dealing with a serious family health matter, asking for privacy while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. What unfolded was heartbreaking: Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. Despite his courageous fight, Ojeh tragically passed away in May 2025 at the age of 45, leaving Jones to grieve alongside their three young children.

The loss rippled through the tight-knit TODAY team, but it hit Roker especially hard. As one of Jones’ longest-standing colleagues, Roker had formed a genuine bond with her over the years, often sharing lighthearted on-air moments that highlighted their friendship. During Jones’ extended absence—spanning nearly 10 months—Roker and the team frequently sent public messages of love and prayers. In interviews, Roker openly shared that they were “just praying for her,” emphasizing how much the show felt incomplete without her presence.

Sources within the TODAY family describe Roker’s absences as moments when the emotional weight became too much. Known for his resilience—he’s overcome serious health challenges himself, including blood clots and prostate cancer—Roker reportedly needed time to process the grief and offer private support to Jones. He was particularly touched by the family’s struggle, even stepping in with small acts of kindness, like bringing breakfast sandwiches to Jones’ children during difficult times. When Jones returned to the show in September 2025 for a heartfelt segment, Roker welcomed her back emotionally, noting how the team had missed her deeply and felt like family.

This period underscored the human side of morning television. The TODAY anchors aren’t just colleagues; they’re a support system navigating life’s highs and lows together. Roker’s time away wasn’t due to his own health issues but stemmed from empathy and solidarity during one of the show’s darkest chapters. Fans responded with overwhelming compassion, flooding social media with messages of encouragement.

As the year ends, both Roker and Jones continue to shine on TODAY, with Jones transitioning to a new co-hosting role in the fourth hour. Their story is a reminder of friendship’s power in the face of profound loss, proving that even America’s favorite morning show faces real-life heartaches—and emerges stronger together.