Carson Daly opened up about Sheinelle Jones’ ongoing absence from Today and how he was supporting her amid her time away from the show.
“I don’t know anything about when or timeline [for her return], but we always think about her,” Carson, 51, told Entertainment Tonight in an interview on Wednesday, April 30. “We talk about her probably every day.”
“We’re wishing her well and she’s spending much-needed time with her family and that’ll just take its course. And there’s so much love going out to her,” he added.
Jenna Bush Hager, who also joined Carson on the red carpet for the Today Loves Food event, said, “The Today show is a family and we take care of each other and we love each other and that’s the truth.”
Sheinelle, 47, has not appeared on an episode of Today since December 2024. After speculation grew surrounding her absence, she revealed on Instagram in January why she was missing from the show.
“I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter,” the broadcaster wrote in a post on her page. “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not on 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. Love, Sheinelle.”
Sheinelle’s absence has continued throughout the first quarter of the year. But her colleagues have continued to send prayers and support her way.
Recently, Today’s Willie Geist shared an update on the morale at Today and when viewers can expect to see Sheinelle back. While he did not give a definitive answer about her return, he did give a rather promising tidbit.
“I cannot wait to see Sheinelle again,” he told People last month. “We’re giving her all the time she needs.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Sheinelle Jones attends the “Mostly What God Does” book presentation on February 21, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
“She’s dealing with a family matter or private matter, and she is such a valued member of our family,” the Morning Joe cohost continued. “We want to just be there for her and whenever she feels ready to come back and sit with the group, we’ll give her the biggest hug she ever got.”
Still, viewers have continued to question Sheinelle’s continued hiatus from Today, even after her costars have spoken out.
“Where is Sheinelle Jones from the #Today morning show? Anyone know what’s going on? #sheinellejones,” one person wrote on X in March.
“I hope Sheinelle Jones is okay. Miss seeing her on the TODAY show!” another person posted on X in March.
“Where is sheinelle Jones @3rdHourTODAY #GoodMorning,” another X user wondered.
“@TODAYshow WHERE IS OR BELOVED SHEINELLE JONES!! THE TODAY SHOW VIEWERS DESERVE AN EXPLANATION /ANSWER. THEY LIKE OUR FAMILY, WE DESERVE HONESTY FROM THE NETWORK. OR WE WONT WATCH…,” another said.
Sheinelle has not posted anything on social media since sharing her statement about her Today absence. The comments section on all of her most recent Instagram posts has flooded with questions, thoughts and prayers as she continues to deal with the personal matter.