Jordyn Woods and Sheinelle Jones recently opened up about their shared experiences of loss on the popular show “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.” Both women have endured the painful journey of losing a parent at a young age and have used their experiences to connect with others who have faced similar grief.
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Woods, now 28, lost her father, John Woods, in 2017 when she was just 19 years old. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I just want to say as someone who lost their dad at such a young age, to your children or anyone out there that it doesn’t get easier. You just get stronger, and you learn to deal with that and honour them every step of the way.” Her candid remarks resonated deeply with Jones, who has faced her own grief since losing her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May 2025 at the age of 45.
Ojeh’s battle with glioblastoma left behind a profound impact on Jones and their three children—Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche Jr., both 13. Jones expressed the struggles of navigating this immense loss, stating, “It hurts that this [loss] is happening to me, but it is excruciating that it’s happening to my kids. As a mom, you just want to protect them from everything.” Her focus remains on ensuring her children carry their father’s legacy “not with pain, but with power.”
During her appearance on the show on June 17, Woods also shared how her loss shaped her outlook on life. She mentioned that although her father’s passing marked one of the darkest chapters in her life, it also became a source of inspiration and strength for her. “You gain your most powerful guardian angel,” she noted, highlighting her belief that her father’s spirit continues to guide her.
The conversation between the two women took an uplifting turn as Jones expressed how Woods’ resilience gave her hope for her children. She stated, “Whenever you meet someone who has lost a parent, and they are your age, as a mum, I’m watching and going, ‘Okay, they’re going to be okay. They can still have new wins.’” These words served as a comforting reminder amidst their shared experience of loss.
Woods has found love and support through her engagement to Karl-Anthony Towns, a professional basketball player currently with the New York Knicks. Their bond over shared grief helped strengthen their relationship. Towns lost his mother, Jackie, in 2020 at the age of 24 due to complications related to COVID-19. In referencing their shared experiences, Woods remarked, “Navigating that grief is like wearing that well and always keeping a positive mindset and moving forward.”
Their six-year relationship has allowed them to grow together through adversity, transforming their respective losses into a source of strength. Woods articulated her admiration for Towns’ perseverance, highlighting how their collective journeys have intertwined their dreams and ambitions.
Jones, too, has been vocal about her grief and her commitment to nurturing her children through their loss. In a moving cover story earlier this year, she stated, “I try to tell them they got more in those years than some people get in a lifetime.” This perspective underscores her desire to instil resilience in her children despite the unimaginable pain they have faced.
Both women exemplify how grief, while deeply personal and challenging, can also foster connection and shared understanding. Their conversations not only provide comfort to one another but also serve as a beacon of hope for countless others experiencing similar heartache. Through their journeys, both Woods and Jones demonstrate that, while the weight of loss may never fully fade, it is possible to find strength, love, and a renewed sense of purpose in the wake of tragedy.