Al Roker has revealed he’s taken his last walk after sharing that he will be absent from The Today Show.
Over the weekend, Roker took to Instagram to share a video of himself taking a stroll through NYC’s beautiful Central Park. The famous weatherman admitted it was his “last walk” for a while.
“I’m a little less than three days away from getting this left knee replaced,” he shared in the video. “It’s a replacement of a replacement so I am kind of limping through.”
“This is probably my last walk of any significance before the knee, but it was just such a gorgeous day I had to get out and enjoy it.” Roker explained that this will be a total knee replacement after undergoing the same surgery back in 2016.
On May 10, Roker shared a second video of himself recovering from the surgery inside the hospital walking through the hallways with the aid of a walker.
“Up and walking this morning on the #newknee #stepbystep Wearing a negative pressure pump to help facilitate wound healing,” Roker wrote! Way to go, Al!
Roker admitted walking had become very difficult for him over the last several months. This surgery will hopefully help him with those difficulties after he recovers.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Roker had been absent from The Today Show for an extended period of time in November 2022 after he endured a scary health issue. Roker spent several days in the hospital after blood clots traveled from his legs to his lungs.
It was revealed on Thanksgiving Day that Roker was able to go home to celebrate with his family. However, shortly after going home, Roker was admitted back into the hospital again for further medical assistance.
Eventually, Roker got to return home in time for the Holidays where he has remained since. And now, his Today Show colleagues are revealing that Roker is coming back to Studio 1A.
On January 6, Roker finally returned to the Today Show where he belongs! Craig Melvin was excited about the news saying, “everyone will be back together.” To which Savannah Guthrie added, the show is “not the same without Al. Our sunshine is coming back Friday morning.”
This was also Roker’s first time in 27 years to miss co-anchoring the parade.
“So many of you have been thoughtfully asking where I’ve been,” Roker said in one of his first statements at the time. “Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg which sent some clots into my lungs.”
“After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and hope to see you soon. Have a great weekend, everyone.”
Many of his Today Show colleagues took to the comments section of his post to wish him a speedy recovery.
Hoda Kotb wrote, “Al Roker– hurry back to us… counting the days xoxoxo.” And Jenna Bush Hager added, “Love you Al! Hurry home. You are missed and loved beyond measure!”
Dylan Dryer said, “Love you Al and praying every day for a speedy recovery!” And Craig Melvin wrote, “Love you brother…can’t wait to have you back!”
And Savannah Guthrie said, “You’re the strongest person we know. We miss you and will see you soon!!”
“He’s in good spirits, we’ve all talked to him,” said Guthrie said when explaining Roker absents initially. “He’s in great spirits,” Kotb further noted.