Sheinelle Jones’ 2026 started with heartbreak.
In an emotional January 3 Instagram carousel, the future co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle paid tribute to her grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, who died days earlier at the age of 96.
“It is with the heaviest heart that I announce the sudden passing of my grandmother,” Jones wrote. “She passed early in the morning on New Year’s Eve at the age of 96. Anyone who knows me, knows that ‘Grandmama,’ Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, was my world; my best buddy, my confidante and my unapologetic cheerleader.”
The TODAY star’s carousel was filled with photos of her smiling grandmother, including many with Jones. From the photos, it’s clear how close the two women were — and how much of an impact Jones’ grandmother had on her life and broadcasting career.
The 47-year-old, who lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer in May of 2025, continued her outpouring of love for her grandmother in her Instagram post.
Sheinelle Jones’ grandma “lit up” when she revealed she wanted to be a reporter
Jones added that her grandmother “‘lit up’ when I told her in 5th grade that I wanted to be a news reporter,” writing that “her standard of excellence was extremely high.”
The TODAY host continued of Josephine, who was also an accomplished pianist and director of the music ministry at Jones’ church, “I was fueled by her belief in me and constant affirmation when she saw me put in the work.”
Jones revealed that her grandmother’s advocacy will be one of her lasting legacies.
“What makes our relationship extra special — is the fact that she was so attentive, beyond the backdrop of a highly successful life of her own,” Jones continued. “Long before I was born, she was the first black woman elected to the board of education … she was notoriously *tough* and everyone knew it. Her mission — to make education equitable for all children.”
After losing her husband and her grandmother in a span of just seven months, Jones capped her Instagram post on a positive note.
“Life is so precious, and I can’t help but to be changed by the last year and a half,” she wrote. “Heaven has gained a new choir director, and our family — a new angel.”
When does Sheinelle Jones officially begin co-hosting TODAY‘s fourth hour?
After multiple heartbreaks in 2025, Jones will embark on a new venture in 2026 — as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host during TODAY‘s fourth hour, officially called TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. The mother of three will make her debut alongside Hager on Monday, January 12 on NBC.
Hager finally landed on Jones as her permanent co-host after a nearly year-long search for the person who will succeed Hoda Kotb, who left TODAY in January 2025.
