Dylan Dreyer is thinking of Today colleague Sheinelle Jones often while she continues to deal with a “family health matter” away from the talk show.
Dylan, 43, was joined by costar Al Roker on the red carpet during an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, April 30, where they discussed Sheinelle’s whereabouts.
“We’re all very very close. We chat with her often,” Dylan shared. “A week doesn’t go by where we’re not checking in, seeing how she’s doing. We pray for her all the time, we can’t wait for her to come back, so we’re just waiting for that day to come.”
Al, 70, shared a similar note about his costar as she takes time away from Today for the personal matter.
“The fact of the matter is, we’re so grateful to all the fans and viewers who’ve been praying for her and praying for her family and [she’s] just taking it one day at a time,” the meteorologist shared. “The good news is this is a family and we’ve got each other’s backs and make sure that you’re able to take the time you need to take care of things.”
Additionally at the event, Carson Daly said that he and his costars “always think about her.”
So far, there has been no official timeline given as to when Sheinelle can be expected to return to the morning talk show. Instead, several of her NBC colleagues have been filling in for her at the news desk.
“Sheinelle appreciates the support she’s received from fans and viewers in her absence,” a source told People in January of Sheinelle’s hiatus from TV. “She’s especially grateful for her tight-knit Today show family and cohosts, for all their love during a sensitive time.”
It was revealed that Al would be stepping in for Sheinelle to report live on the Met Gala red carpet on Monday, May 5.
“Very excited pinch hit for @sheinelle_o and cover the #redcarpet for the annual @metmuseum @metcostumeinstitute gala Never did it before. The theme and the exhibit is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style based on a book by Professor Monica L. Miller,” he captioned a video on Instagram on Tuesday, April 29.
“Well, work has begun on getting ready for the Met Gala at the beautiful Metropolitan Museum of Art,” Al said in the video. “This year, I’m actually gonna be covering it on the red carpet, talking about ‘Superfine’ Black tailoring and dandyism.”
Sheinelle typically has covered the event in years past, but will be sitting out this year.
“Have fun! Maybe next year you and Sheinelle can do it?!” one person wrote in a comment underneath the Instagram post.
“Missing Ms. Jones but know you will represent well in her place Mr. Roker. Look forward to seeing her back on the red carpet next year,” another fan commented.
“You’ll do great. We are missing Ms Jones and sending prayers,” another wrote.
“How fun! @sheinelle_o we miss you! Hope to see you back on Today. Mornings aren’t the same without you,” someone else said.
“Definitely will watch your coverage but I will miss @sheinelle_o she loved covering this event,” another person penned.