Sheinelle Jones, the co-host of NBC's Today show, has shared the heartbreaking news of her grandmother's passing, just eight months after the death of her husband. In a poignant social media post, the 47-year-old broadcaster confirmed that Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown died in the early hours of New Year's Eve at the age of 96.
An Emotional Tribute to a 'Best Buddy'
Jones posted a moving carousel of photographs alongside a tribute to her 'grandmama', whom she described as her closest companion. She wrote that Brown was her 'best buddy, my confidante and my unapologetic cheerleader.' The journalist also credited her grandmother with playing a pivotal role in supporting her career in news reporting.
Reflecting on the profound losses of the past 18 months, Jones shared: 'Life is so precious, and I can't help but to be changed by the last year and a half.' She added, 'Heaven has gained a new choir director, and our family - a new angel.'
Support from Today Show Colleagues
Jones's colleagues from the Today show were quick to offer their condolences and support in the comments section of her post. Jenna Bush Hager wrote: 'She adored you... all that grace and beauty is in you!' Dylan Dreyer added: 'Praying for you every moment,' while former co-host Hoda Kotb simply said: 'Love you Sheinelle.'
Actress and producer Kelly Rizzo was deeply moved by the tribute, commenting: 'This is the most incredible tribute I have ever read in my life. What an absolute blessing to have her as a grandmother. Such a gift!'
A Year of Profound Loss
This devastating news follows the tragic death of Jones's husband, Uche Ojeh, in May 2025. He was 45 years old when he passed away from glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The couple, who married in 2007, shared three children: son Kayin, and fraternal twins Clara and Uche.
In her first interview following Ojeh's death last September, Jones described her grief as a 'beautiful nightmare.' She said: 'My heart is shattered. My heart is shattered in a million pieces. The life that I've known since I was 19 is no more.' She spoke of the challenge of raising their three children without their father, stating, 'It sucks... So how am I doing? You know, it's day-to-day.'
Glioblastoma, the cancer Ojeh battled, is a type that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord and grows very quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure, though treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can help manage the disease.
Jones expressed pride in how she and her children have coped, but acknowledged the ongoing pain: 'I'm proud of myself for, you know, how I've coped so far. I'm proud of my kids for how we've been able to try to pull through. But it's... it's horrible. It's just horrible. But I'm here.'
