The mystery of Shenell Jones has been solved.
Jones, 46, who co-hosted the “Today” show for a third hour, was noticeably absent from the beloved morning show late last week — missing Hoda Kotb's huge final show after nearly 18 years on Friday, January 10.
When it failed to appear on Monday 13 January, viewers became increasingly concerned after rumblings of potential changes at the network.
However, Jones finally confirmed the reason for her absence on Tuesday morning in a statement on Instagram.
“Hi everyone… I sincerely appreciate everyone who has reached out to me while I've been away from the show,” she wrote. “I want to share with you that I am making time to address a family health matter.”
She continued, “It's never lost on me how lucky I am to not only have the support of the Today Show family, but also to have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I'll see you soon. My love, Chenille.”
Before Jones' announcement, many viewers were upset that she was not present to bid farewell to the 60-year-old mogul.
“Not even a recorded segment from @SheinelleJones on the @TODAYshow on @hodakotb's final day?! Seems weird. Hope you're doing well,” one concerned viewer wrote on X, previously on Twitter.
“I loved the HODA set but I really wondered why Shanelle Jones wasn't in the cast?” Added a second observer.
“@TODAYshow Can you tell us where Shenell Jones is? It's weird that she misses #Hoda K's farewell! The third pleaded.
“Today” meteorologist Al Roker acknowledged Jones' absence from her regular segment on Friday, telling viewers at home that “Chenelle is down,” according to USA Today.
Jill Martin filled in for Jones.
This isn't the first time Jones has been absent from the show since joining the “Weekend Today” team in 2014. Jones became co-host of the third hour of the “Today” show in January 2019.
She was not found on the November 15 episode, but returned the following Monday, revealing that she had traveled to speak at a Professional Women's Association event.
In 2020, Jones took a break from the “Today” show for several weeks while recovering from vocal cord surgery.
“It's been a long time coming,” she told her on-air co-hosts at the time.
She was also forced to turn down several public events as her doctor ordered her not to speak for two weeks after the surgery, which came with an expected six-week recovery.
Despite Jones' absence, Kotb came out strong on Friday.
Several people made surprise visits to her farewell episode, including former “Today” show co-host Kathie Lee Gifford.
Kotb's final “Today” episode was accompanied by a large amount of tears, as she broke down in tears with her best friend and “Today” co-host Jenna Bush Hager.
Before bidding farewell to the “Today” show, Kotb teased her next project, which will launch in the spring.
