Al Roker makes the announcement we’ve been waiting for about his return to Today’s Show.
After taking time to deal with medical issues, Roker will return to Studio 1A in early January. Al Roker will be back on TODAY on Friday, Jan. 6, after a rough couple of weeks.
Al, who is 68 years old, will get back together with his co-hosts on TODAY. He has been off the air since mid-November because of health problems.
In November 2022, blood clots in his legs and lungs sent the TODAY weatherman to the hospital. “After some medical whack-a-mole, I’m so lucky to be getting great care and getting better,” he wrote at the time on Instagram.
Al had to miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in more than 25 years because of his health. But he was able to leave the hospital in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
Al wasn’t out of danger yet, though. He went back to the hospital at the end of November for a second stay. Because of this, he missed the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting last month.
“He’s back in the hospital because of some complications, but he’s getting very good care,” Hoda Kotb told viewers at the time. “His doctors are keeping a close eye on him while he rests. Al and his family want everyone to know how thankful they are for all the love, support, and well wishes.
On Dec. 8, Al was finally able to leave the hospital for the second time. He marked the event by posting happy photos of himself, his wife Deborah Roberts, and their daughter Leila on Instagram.
On Dec. 8, Al was finally able to leave the hospital for the second time. He marked the event by posting happy photos of himself, his wife Deborah Roberts, and their daughter Leila on Instagram.
“Listen, this has been hard work. “I’m not going to deny it,” he said in a video call from home on December 12. “I’ve had a lot of surgeries, and you know that this one was the hardest. It fills you with a deep sense of gratitude that so many people are praying for and thanking you. I have a lot of good fortune.”
Throughout the ordeal, Al’s TODAY family and fans showed him a lot of love and support, including a surprise holiday serenade on December 14. Al started crying when a group of TODAY anchors, crew, and producers gathered outside his house to sing Christmas carols.
“I’ve missed all of you so very, very much,” he said. “It just means the world to me, to our family, and to my Deborah, who’s been my rock. I can’t thank you enough. I really liked that.”
The team will be able to get back together in Studio 1A in a few days.
