“We’ll welcome her back with open arms the second she can get back to us.” — Dylan Dreyer
In a world where superhero teams often assemble to save the day, the real power squad might just be the one anchoring NBC’s Today show. As Sheinelle Jones remains off-screen amid a deeply personal family health matter, her co-hosts — led by the ever-steadfast Dylan Dreyer — continue to embody what it means to have a team that truly supports one another, both on and off the air.
Jones, who has been absent from the iconic morning broadcast since December 2024, has left a palpable void in the dynamic third-hour lineup. But unlike the silence that sometimes fills the void left by a missing hero, the Today family’s unwavering presence and daily check-ins keep her connection to the show alive. And as Dreyer revealed during a recent appearance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, they’re not just co-workers — they’re a family waiting with open arms.
Every Day Off-Screen, Sheinelle Jones Is Never Far From Her Team’s Thoughts
“We talk to her every day,” Dreyer told E! News in an exclusive. “One of us on the team talks to her every single day, and we’re there to support her.” It’s the kind of devotion that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Marvel post-credits scene — a silent promise that no matter how long the battle, the team stands united.
Sheinelle’s absence has sparked questions from viewers and fans who have come to cherish her warmth, wit, and unwavering professionalism. Yet, despite the speculation, her Today co-hosts remain respectful of her privacy, offering only what comfort they can through words and presence. “She’s doing all right,” Dreyer said. “She’s hanging in there. We’re praying for her and her family. You know, she’s just going through a tough time with her family.”
The Emotional Weight Behind Sheinelle’s Hiatus Makes Support Even Stronger
Jones herself broke her silence in January with an Instagram post that echoed the kind of honesty and grace that has defined her career. “I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent,” she wrote. “I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter… Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”
It was a brief but meaningful message — one that underscored how much she values not only her Today family, but also the viewers who have supported her through countless mornings. And in return, her co-hosts have made it clear that there’s no rush, only readiness to welcome her back whenever she’s able.
Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer Keep the Bond Unbreakable
In multiple recent interviews — including one with Access Hollywood — Dreyer, Melvin, and Roker have all shared similar sentiments: they stay in touch with Sheinelle, they miss her dearly, and they’re patient. “A week doesn’t go by where we’re not checking in, seeing how she’s doing,” Dreyer said. “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.”
Even Carson Daly, who often fills in across different Today hours, admitted he doesn’t know when Sheinelle will return — but that he, like the rest of the team, is “wishing her well.” He called the situation “family time that’s much needed,” and emphasized that there’s “so much love going out to her.”
Willie Geist’s Promise: A Hug Bigger Than Any On-Air Moment
Sunday Today host Willie Geist echoed the sentiment in a recent chat with People, saying he “cannot wait to see Sheinelle again.” He promised that whenever she feels ready to come back, the team will give her “the biggest hug she ever got.” It’s the kind of heartfelt pledge that turns ordinary broadcasts into something extraordinary — a reminder that behind every smile and segment is a network of care.
The ‘Today’ Show Isn’t Just a Broadcast — It’s a Living, Breathing Hero Squad
In a media landscape obsessed with comebacks and breakouts, the story of Sheinelle Jones and her Today co-hosts is a quiet but powerful testament to the strength of solidarity. There are no dramatic music cues or slow-motion walks down studio corridors, but the emotional resonance is just as real.
Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle’s on-screen partner and off-screen ally, summed it up perfectly: “We’ll welcome her back with open arms the second she can get back to us.” Until then, the team keeps standing — not for ratings, not for recognition, but because that’s what families do.
And that, in its purest form, is nothing short of heroic.