Willie Geist is feeling the absence of one of his closest colleagues. The Sunday Today anchor spoke warmly and honestly about Sheinelle Jones, who has been noticeably missing from NBC’s Today over the past several months, assuring viewers that she remains deeply supported — and deeply missed.

Geist, 49, attended A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s in Nashville on April 16, a star-studded benefit for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The moment he was asked about Jones, his expression softened.

“I cannot wait to see Sheinelle again,” he told PEOPLE. “We’re giving her all the time she needs.” There was no hesitation in his voice, only genuine care. He emphasized that Jones, a beloved member of the Today family, is currently dealing with a private family matter — and in a workplace built on constant visibility, that privacy is something her colleagues fiercely protect.

“She’s such a valued member of our family,” Geist continued. “We want to be there for her. And whenever she feels ready to come back and sit with the group, we’ll give her the biggest hug she has ever gotten.”

Jones, who co-anchors the show’s third hour alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer, first broke her silence about the absence in January. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote that she has been “taking time to deal with a family health matter” and is immensely grateful for everyone who has reached out.

“It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but also all of you,” she wrote to fans. “Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”

Jones has not been seen on a new broadcast since December 18, marking one of her longest public breaks since joining Today in 2014. Her energy, warmth, and signature laughter have been staples of the show — which is why her absence has sparked so much concern and love from viewers and colleagues alike.

The team on-air has continued to reassure fans as well. In an update earlier this month, Melvin shared that he had spoken to Jones recently and confirmed that she is simply taking the time necessary to focus on family. “We talk to her all the time,” he said, reinforcing that she remains deeply connected to her coworkers.

Dreyer echoed that the door is wide open for Jones to return when ready: “She misses being here — she wishes she was here with us. But she’s doing what she needs to do.”

That sentiment — space without pressure — has been consistent from every member of the Today team. They are waiting patiently, cheering quietly, and preparing the moment they get to welcome her home again.

At the Nashville fundraising event, Geist had another deeply personal reason for being there. He shared that his father has been battling Parkinson’s disease for 33 years. Diagnosed at just 47, his father’s experience has shaped their family’s life for decades — and made the mission of The Michael J. Fox Foundation profoundly meaningful to him.

“When you have Parkinson’s in your life, the first thing you think of is Michael J. Fox,” Geist said. Fox launched the foundation in 2000 after publicly revealing his own Parkinson’s diagnosis, channeling his platform into groundbreaking research and support for millions affected worldwide. Geist explained that their family quickly connected with the foundation and has seen firsthand the powerful impact of its work.

The Nashville benefit featured performances from some of country music’s biggest stars, including Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, and Dusty Slay. Sheryl Crow also took the stage for a moving presentation alongside Fox and Geist — a moment that highlighted both the heartbreak and hope fueling the fight against the neurological disease.

Despite the event’s dazzling lineup, the emotional heart of the night, for Geist, belonged to something much simpler: community. The community supporting Parkinson’s research… and the community supporting Sheinelle Jones.

The absence of such a bright personality is felt every morning on set. Jones has built her career on authenticity — whether reporting breaking news, sharing emotional parenting stories, or laughing through the inevitable chaos of morning live television. Her connection with viewers is earned, not manufactured, which is why her message struck such a chord. She didn’t disappear, and she’s not alone.

Every update from those she works beside reinforces that she is surrounded by love and respect. Her seat isn’t being filled — it’s being saved.

“We’ll give her the biggest hug she’s ever gotten,” Geist repeated, a smile spreading across his face.

For now, Jones’ fans — and her NBC family — wait with patience, hope, and support. And they’ll be right there, ready to celebrate her return, whenever she is ready to step back into the studio lights.