Sheinelle Jones Reveals 'Family Health Matter' Is Behind Her Lengthy Absence from the “Today” Show: 'I'll See You Soon'

The '3rd Hour of Today' co-host has not appeared on the NBC news program since Dec. 18

Sheinelle Jones is opening up about what's kept her away from the Today cameras.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the journalist — a co-host of 3rd Hour of Today alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer — shared an update on Instagram explaining her absence from the program.

"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," Jones, 46, wrote.

"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," she continued. "Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon"

She signed the post with a "Love, Sheinelle."

Jones, who shares three kids with husband Uche Ojeh, did not provide any further information about the health matter. PEOPLE has reached out for comment.

During the live Today broadcast, Melvin and Savannah Guthrie sent their love to Jones.

"We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her," said Guthrie. "We miss her too."

"Sheinelle, we all love you and are so looking forward to having you back," noted Melvin.

"We'll see you soon," Guthrie said.

Related: Craig Melvin Emotionally Reflects on Landing Today's Top Anchor Seat: 'This Is a Gift and It's Not Lost on Me' (Exclusive)

Jones first joined Today in 2014 and has consistently appeared across all of Today's programming, regularly filling in as co-anchor for Today and guest co-hosting on Today with Hoda & Jenna (now dubbed Today with Jenna & Friends).

She hasn't appeared on a newToday broadcast since Dec. 18.

Fans have been vocal on social media, wondering about Jones' absence especially after she missed Hoda Kotb’s farewell show on Jan. 10. The milestone appeared to bring out everyone from the Today family, including Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, Peter Alexander, Laura Jarrett, Willie Geist and frequent Today special contributor Maria Shriver.

Kathie Lee Gifford, Kotb's former co-host, even made a surprise appearance.

Related: Sheinelle Jones Teases New Book Is 'My Love Letter to Moms': 'I Hope It's Inspiring' (Exclusive)

On Jan. 13, Melvin took over Kotb’s co-anchor role on Today. When the move was announced in November, Melvin revealed the kind advice Jones had given him.

“You and I had a great conversation yesterday that I needed,” Melvin told Jones live on air. “You're like, ‘Today, just receive it.’ Because I don't always do well with…”

Jones then chimed in: “Craig sometimes will be like, ‘Ah, blah, blah, blah.’ I was like, ‘Craig, this time, [relax].’” 

“I'm excited, I'm honored, I'm humbled, I'm just all the things,” Melvin continued. “And I genuinely love working here, and we're blessed to get to do these jobs, and, you know, just I love it. I love the people. I just, I enjoy it. I still pinch myself. And I love staying here too!”

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Joking that Melvin would never leave, “the hour that makes him cry,” Jones said she is looking forward to continuing to work with him.

“I love the 3rd Hour,” Melvin said, and Jones replied, “We have a good thing.”

“You're stuck with me,” he laughed. “I said to you a couple weeks ago, I've worked with you longer than anyone else in my career at this point.”

“So nutty,” Jones said.

The Today show airs weekdays (beginning at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.