Sheinelle Jones turned her latest assignment into a moment of healing and a memory her thirteen year old daughter will never forget.
The Today co-host traveled to London to interview Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo ahead of Wicked: For Good, and brought her daughter Clara along for the trip.
In an Instagram post shared Sunday, Nov. 9, Jones gave fans a behind the scenes look at the visit and reflected on returning to sit down conversations after the devastating loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May.
“I couldn’t think of two better ladies to connect with, and jump back into doing sit-down interviews again,” the 47-year-old wrote, sharing photos of warm hugs with Ariana Grande, 32, and Cynthia Erivo, 38.
She added that Clara even got to watch her prep the night before, “(And Clara got to see her mom stay up late the night before – preparing, before our beautiful conversation.)”
The longtime anchor, who shares Clara’s twin brother Uche and eldest son Kayin, 16, with her late husband, also spoke about how her grief connected to the movie’s themes.
“You guys both know that I am grieving, right?” she told the actresses. “And I carry two things everywhere I go. I move forward, but I’m also grieving.”
She continued by explaining how the film lifted her in a way she did not expect.
“When I went in the theater to see this movie, it was transcendent for me in a way that I didn’t know I needed. To see these characters be strong and brave and vulnerable. And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Okay, if these women can do this on the screen, so can I in my own way.’ I can be strong and courageous and brave and not just your characters, but who you are as women in real life.”
Ariana Grande grew emotional during the interview, responding, “Well, we thank you. We love you. And you are all of those things.”
Erivo echoed the sentiment saying, “Thank you for that. We do, we love you very much.” Both stars stood to hug Sheinelle as Clara watched nearby.
Wicked: For Good hits theaters Nov. 21.
