Hey there, let’s talk about something truly heartwarming. If there’s one thing the blockbuster Barbie movie taught us, it’s the deep connection people have with dolls. On a recent episode of Today With Hoda and Jenna, host Sheinelle Jones opened up about her own cherished Cabbage Patch Doll. Can you believe she kept it on her bed until she was 29 years old? Talk about loyalty!
Now, here’s the backstory. During an episode on Monday, January 15, while filling in for Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle shared her story with Hoda Kotb. “When I got married, I had Lilly Debbie Allen — she’s my Cabbage Patch — on my bed. And grandma said I had to get rid of the Cabbage Patch,” she revealed, reminiscing about her beloved doll. Lilly Debbie Allen wasn’t just any doll; she was a constant companion through life’s ups and downs.
For Sheinelle, this wasn’t just a fleeting childhood memory. “She’s always been with me!” the 45-year-old added, emphasizing the special bond she shares with her Cabbage Patch Doll. This wasn’t the first time she expressed her love for her collection. Back in December 2017, she told Today, “I still have the Cabbage Patch. In fact, when I got married, my grandmother told me I had to put it away. My grandmother was like, ‘It’s time to put Lilly away,’ and I’m like, ‘But Lilly was with me in college.’”
Read also:Valerie Bertinelli Opens Up About Split From Mike Goodnough A Heartfelt Reflection
Her Love Story: From College Sweethearts to Married Life
Sheinelle’s life isn’t just about dolls, though. The broadcaster has been happily married to her husband, Uche Ojeh, since 2007. Their journey began when they met as teens—she was a student at Northwestern University, and he was visiting the campus for a tour. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, they managed to stay connected for eight years before tying the knot in a memorable rainstorm proposal.
Fast forward to today, and their romance is stronger than ever. In fact, Sheinelle credits part of their success to a surprising secret: no baby talk. “We’re trying to be better,” she joked about using pet names like “honey,” “babe,” “bae,” or “boo.” While some couples might find endearments sweet, Sheinelle and Uche prefer keeping things grounded.
Public Displays of Affection? Not Their Thing
Another interesting tidbit about this couple? They aren’t big on public displays of affection. “It drives everyone in my family crazy,” Sheinelle admitted. But even they have their exceptions. She confessed that there was one instance where she did show PDA in public. “One time in my whole life have I kissed a guy in public, and it was — I broke up with Uche in college, and I was like, ‘I don’t need him,’ and we’re at some random place in Chicago,” she recalled. It seems like even the strongest couples have their playful moments.
Family First
Sheinelle and Uche, who share children Kayin, Clara, and Uche, clearly have a strong foundation. Even after overcoming a minor bump in their relationship before their wedding, they’ve proven to be a perfect match. “My kids are happy, and it’s what’s most important to me,” Sheinelle gushed to Today fans in December 2022. “There may be a pile of laundry in the corner, but I’m so happy that I wasn’t so worried about the laundry that I didn’t miss the moment in front of me.”
