Sheinelle Jones got emotional while celebrating her first since the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh.
“As I literally sit here — in tears — on an airplane headed home, I think it’s the perfect moment to check in with you,” Jones captioned an Instagram post on Sunday, April 19. “Today is my 48th birthday, and to be honest — I can’t stop crying.”
She continued, “Thankful tears, painful tears because it’s my first without Uche, and tears full of gratitude reflecting on the last 7 days. I have never felt so much love in my life. Thank you for the prayers and support over the last year.”
While celebrating, Jones thanked all the fans who helped sell out her Through Mom’s Eyes book tour, which was published on Tuesday, April 14.
“I don’t have the words to express how it feels to have SOLD OUT crowds in every city … and what it feels like to take these group photos with your smiling faces,” Jones wrote as her caption concluded. “Uche loved The Beatles; as I mark the beginning of ‘48’ — I do .. feel the sun. Thank you so so much.”
Jones posted a series of photos from each of her book tour stops, along with one image that showed her alongside a massive pink cake.
Before her birthday, Jones reflected on the past year while chatting with Us Weekly exclusively at the Through Mom’s Eyes book launch at Double Knot NYC on Wednesday, April 15.
“This year, everybody knows, has been a lot for me,” she said. “It’s been an emotional roller-coaster.”
Jones’ husband, Ojeh, died at age 45 in May 2025 following a battle with brain cancer. The couple shared son Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche Jr., 13.
Jones tried “not to get all emotional” while discussing her birthday with cohost Jenna Bush Hager during the Friday, April 17, broadcast of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.
“47 was a lot and now, turning 48,” Jones said. “When I turned 47, it was a tough day on my 47th birthday and I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. So, for 48 to be so wonderful and to be here with you, and you guys, is just really — it lets you know that if you’re in something, just know that there is light.”
