AceShowbiz - Sheinelle Jones, the third-hour co-host of "Today," has revealed the reason for her recent absence from the beloved morning show. In a statement posted to Instagram on January 15, she shared that she is taking time away to address a family health matter.

"Hi everybody ... I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I've been absent from the show," Jones wrote in her message. "I want to share that I'm taking time to deal with a family health matter. It's not lost how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show daily, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I'll see you soon."

Jones' co-hosts, Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, confirmed the news during the "Today" show on Wednesday, January 15, expressing their support and well wishes. "We know so many of you have been asking about Sheneille and missing her, and we miss her too," Guthrie said.

The third-hour co-hosts also addressed Jones' absence, sharing her statement and offering words of encouragement. "We all love you and we are so looking forward to having you back," Melvin said.

Fans had begun expressing concern over Jones' absence after she missed the farewell episode of former co-anchor Hoda Kotb on January 10. Kotb's final appearance had been a star-studded and emotional sendoff.

Jones, who joined "Today" in 2014, is a popular and beloved co-host known for her warm personality and journalistic skills. She shares three children with her husband, Uche Ojeh.