Sheinelle Jones explained the real reason for her absence Today last week.

“I wasn’t here on Friday, I was just outside of Philadelphia to talk to the Society of Professional Women,” she explained during a Monday, Nov. 18, episode of the talk show. “So many women from the Philadelphia area… But I stayed until the end and talked to almost every single woman when it was over. I love things like that.

“And then I rushed home and became a soccer mom,” she added.

Sheinelle shares son Kayin and twins Uche and Clara with her husband. Uche Ojeh. The broadcaster loves nothing more than spending time with her children.

“With all three of my children, I try to show them that they are ALL a team and they need to look out for each other,” the mother of three told Today.com in 2015. “At the same time, I’m learning that everyone likes to know that they are special to themselves. They often come to me for individual validation and then return to the “group” to play as a team.”

She also appeared as co-stars on the show on Tuesday, November 19th Al Roker And Dylan Dreyer were missing from the program.

Savannah Sellers Sheinelle, 46, joined and Craig Melvin at the news desk in Al, 70, and Dylan’s absence. Craig said Al had the whole day off and Dylan had a job at the factory that makes floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But Craig, 45, and Sheinelle were happy Savannah, 28, got to be on the show. “As Sheinelle likes to say, we have a cousin joining the show,” Craig said.

“The official upgrade!” Savannah said. “You’ve been promoted to cousin,” Craig replied.

It’s been a big month for Craig as he was recently announced as his successor Hoda Kotb. Hoda, 60, will officially leave Today in the new year, with Craig taking over her early morning presenting duties.

“I’m beyond excited and grateful,” he said of his promotion during an episode of the talk show while sitting next to his colleagues. “I have just enjoyed a life full of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Al appeared virtually to congratulate his co-star on his big achievement.

“I’m so proud and happy for (Craig) right now,” the meteorologist said during his video appearance. “(He is) so worthy of this. I’m almost at a loss for words.”

And Hoda was happy with the network’s decision to replace her.

“She couldn’t be happier about it,” an insider said Closer on November 14th. “She had no say in the decision, but she believes Craig was a good choice.”

“It’s bittersweet because she’s sad that this chapter in her life is coming to an end,” the source said of Hoda’s decision. “She doesn’t regret her decision to leave, she’s still very excited to move on, but Craig’s announcement just made it more real.”