Savannah Guthrie will forever remember the moment she held little Henry in her arms, and she wishes she could forget the moment Richard Engel informed his NBC colleagues that his brave little son had passed away after battling a rare neurological disorder
Savannah Guthrie’s Heartfelt Tribute: Honoring the Lives of Two Beautiful Souls Lost Too Soon
In a world often filled with fleeting moments and sensational headlines, there are times when humanity shines through, reminding us of the profound connections that bind us. Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, recently shared a deeply emotional gesture that has touched hearts across the nation. Reflecting on the heartbreaking losses of her colleague Richard Engel’s son, Henry, and the recent passing of Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, Guthrie crafted a poignant tribute to honor these two beautiful souls. Her actions, filled with love, empathy, and grace, have left an indelible mark on her colleagues, fans, and the broader community, showcasing the power of compassion in the face of unimaginable grief.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Memory
Savannah Guthrie has never shied away from expressing her deep affection for her Today show family, but her connection to Richard Engel’s son, Henry, held a special place in her heart. In 2018, Guthrie shared a touching moment on social media, describing the overwhelming emotion of holding little Henry in her arms. “Holding this darling boy who holds so much hope,” she wrote on X, her words brimming with tenderness. Henry, the son of NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel and his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that profoundly impacted his life. Despite his challenges, Henry’s spirit was a beacon of light, inspiring those around him with his resilience and joy.
Guthrie’s admiration for Henry and his family was evident in her tireless support for their cause. She championed their efforts to raise awareness and funds for Rett syndrome research, sharing Henry’s story and encouraging others to contribute. Her posts on X in 2018 captured the essence of her hope for a “storybook ending” for Henry, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her followers. “I marvel at all the love, honesty and hope packed in this paragraph of @RichardEngel’s essay on his son, Henry,” she wrote, urging others to join the fight for a cure.
But in August 2022, the Today show family and the world were devastated when Engel announced that Henry, just six years old, had passed away. The news was a gut punch, leaving Guthrie and her colleagues grappling with sorrow. For Guthrie, the memory of holding Henry, feeling his warmth and spirit, became a bittersweet treasure—a moment she would “forever remember,” as she later reflected. The pain of that loss lingered, a quiet ache that resurfaced when another tragedy struck the Today family.
A Shared Grief: Sheinelle Jones’ Loss
In May 2025, the Today show was rocked by another profound loss. Sheinelle Jones, the vibrant co-host of the Today show’s third hour, suffered the heartbreaking death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, at the age of 45. Ojeh, described as Sheinelle’s “perfect partner in life,” succumbed to an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma after a courageous battle. The announcement came during a somber Today broadcast on May 23, 2025, when Guthrie, choking back tears, shared the devastating news with viewers. “With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
The Today show family rallied around Jones, who had been absent from the show since December 2024 to care for her husband during his illness. Jones, a devoted mother of three—sons Kayin and Uche, and daughter Clara—had been a pillar of strength, but the loss of her husband of 17 years left her and her children navigating an unimaginable void. Guthrie, alongside co-anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer, expressed their unwavering support. “We just want to say Sheinelle, Kayin, little Uche and Clara, the Ojeh family, we are with you. We love you,” Guthrie said on air, her words echoing the collective grief of the Today team.
The parallels between Henry’s passing and Ojeh’s death struck a deep chord with Guthrie. Both losses were marked by battles against neurological conditions—Henry’s Rett syndrome and Ojeh’s glioblastoma—and both left families shattered yet surrounded by love. For Guthrie, a mother of two, the weight of these tragedies was personal. She understood the pain of losing a loved one, and her empathy drove her to create a tribute that would honor both Henry and Uche in a way that felt timeless and universal.
A Touching Gesture to Honor Two Souls
In the days following Ojeh’s passing, Guthrie felt compelled to do something meaningful to commemorate both Henry and Uche. Drawing on her faith and her belief in the enduring power of love, she organized a private candlelight vigil at the Today show studios, inviting colleagues, friends, and family members to come together in a moment of reflection. The vigil, held on May 27, 2025, was a quiet, intimate gathering, but its impact was profound. Guthrie envisioned it as a way to “send these two beautiful souls on their journey to heaven,” as she later described in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, and cherished family,
Tonight, we gather not just in sorrow, but in celebration of two extraordinary souls—Henry Engel and Uche Ojeh—who touched our lives in ways we will never forget. Henry, with his radiant spirit, taught us the meaning of resilience. His smile could light up a room, and his courage in the face of Rett syndrome inspired us all. Uche, a devoted husband, father, and friend, lived a life of kindness and grace. His love for Sheinelle and their children was a testament to the power of family.
As we light these candles, we send our love and prayers to the heavens, where Henry and Uche now shine as stars among the angels. We honor their lives by promising to carry their light forward—through acts of kindness, through support for one another, and through our commitment to cherish every moment we have with those we love.
To Richard and Mary, to Sheinelle and her children, we say: You are not alone. We are your family, and we will hold you close through every step of this journey. May Henry and Uche rest in peace, forever wrapped in the love we send them tonight.
With all my heart, Savannah Guthrie
The vigil was a tapestry of memories, with colleagues sharing stories of Henry’s infectious joy and Uche’s warm, generous spirit. Photos of Henry, beaming with his bright eyes, and Uche, laughing alongside Sheinelle at NBC events, adorned the studio. Soft music played, and candles flickered, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Guthrie, standing before the group, delivered a speech that moved many to tears, her words weaving together the legacies of these two lives. “Henry and Uche reminded us to live with purpose, to love fiercely, and to hold our loved ones close,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes.
A Community United in Grief and Hope
The Today show community, known for its tight-knit bond, was profoundly affected by Guthrie’s gesture. Colleagues like Katie Couric, who herself lost her husband Jay Monahan to cancer in 1998, reached out to Jones with messages of solidarity. Couric’s Instagram tribute on May 23 echoed Guthrie’s sentiments, reflecting on the shared pain of loss and the strength found in community. Other Today stars, including Jenna Bush Hager and Maria Shriver, shared messages of love, with Hager calling Jones “a queen” and Shriver praising her as a “courteous caregiver” during Ojeh’s illness.
Fans, too, responded with an outpouring of support. Social media posts flooded in, with viewers expressing their heartbreak and admiration for Guthrie’s tribute. “This is devastating beyond words wishing nothing but love to Sheinelle and her family,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Savannah’s vigil was a beautiful way to honor Henry and Uche. Their light will live on.”
A Legacy of Love
Guthrie’s tribute was more than a moment of remembrance; it was a call to action. She encouraged donations to organizations researching Rett syndrome and glioblastoma, ensuring that Henry and Uche’s legacies would contribute to future breakthroughs. She also urged her colleagues and viewers to cherish their loved ones, a message that resonated deeply in the wake of such profound losses.
As the Today show continues to navigate these tragedies, Guthrie’s gesture stands as a testament to the power of empathy and community. For Savannah, the memories of holding Henry and standing by Sheinelle will remain etched in her heart. Through her tribute, she has ensured that Henry Engel and Uche Ojeh—two beautiful souls—will forever be remembered, their light shining brightly in the hearts of all who knew them.