Willie Geist Speaks Out on Sheinelle Jones’ Absence From ‘Today’: ‘We Want to Just Be There for Her’

Sheinelle Jones has the support of her Today colleagues, including Willie Geist, amid her time away from the show. He shared that the Today family is making sure they’re there for her during this time and hinted at her future return.

“I cannot wait to see Sheinelle again,” Willie, 49, told People on Wednesday, April 16. “We’re giving her all the time she needs.”

“She’s dealing with a family matter or private matter, and she is such a valued member of our family,” he explained. “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.”

Sheinelle, 46, has not been on Today since December 2024, revealing the following month that her absence was due to a “family health matter.”

“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 TV host wrote on Instagram in a statement on January 15. “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not on the 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.”

She did not share any further details about what’s been going on in her personal life. She was not present for costar Hoda Kotb’s farewell celebration on January 10, nor Craig Melvin’s first day as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor on January 13. Sheinelle did not appear on the show in February or March either, with several of her Today colleagues filling in for her at the news desk.

Her TV hiatus has continued this month, as her costars have been sharing their thoughts and prayers amid this time. Dylan Dreyer, Al Roker and Craig, 45, recently spoke about rallying around Sheinelle.

“Just talked to her a couple of days ago. She’s taking some time to be with her family and we talk to her all the time, and we love our girl. It’s been nice to see how much everyone loves her, too,” Craig told Access Hollywood while in Miami with Dylan, 43, and Al, 70, on April 12.

“We’re just praying for her,” Al said during the interview.

“She misses being here, you know, she wishes she was here with us but she’s doing what she needs to do and she’ll be back,” Dylan shared in support of Sheinelle.

So many social media users have also been sharing kind words for Sheinelle since she has stepped back from the long-running NBC program.

“We miss you SO much, the third hour is not the same without you, but sending lots of strength and support. Take good care and we’ll see you soon we hope,” one person commented on Sheinelle’s Instagram account.

“I miss you and I hope all is getting better. Family is everything so take care of them and I hope for your return to your TV family soon!!!! Prayers and love your way,” another said.

“The Today Show is not the same without your bubbling energy! Can’t wait for you to get back. In the meantime do you!! Praying for continued health and blessings on your family,” a third person commented.

“Sheinelle, I miss you on the Today show and Off the Rails. You bring an energy to the show that cannot be matched. I pray that you and your family are doing well. We will all be very excited to hear an update from you, especially if it’s about your return. In the meantime, sending prayers and good juju your way,” someone else said.