The TODAY Show hasn’t been the same since Al Roker was forced to temporarily leave due to health reasons. The longtime weatherman has been with NBC since 1978 and is one of the most beloved personalities at the network, which is why his colleagues couldn’t wait another minute longer to see him.
While recovering at home, Al Roker received a knock on his door – which his wife, Deborah Roberts – answered. Upon walking out the door, Roker was met by dozens of his TODAY Show colleagues, all of whom were wearing Santa hats. Before he had time to react, the group started singing a Christmas carol.
“When the Rockefeller Tree was lit this December, it felt like it was missing its brightest star: our own Al Roker. Throughout his month-long hospital stay, we have all been waiting for the day we could wrap our arms around our sunshine. And, well, we couldn’t wait any longer,” they said in the segment’s opening.
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The group – which included Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, and many more – started off by singing ‘Jingle Bells’ before topping their visit off with their own unique take on ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ – where they replaced the world ‘I’ll’ with ‘Al.’
Al Roker immediately smiled when he realized what was going on and once it had a moment to settle in, the 68-year-old began to tear up. Nonetheless, he was quick with a joke after his colleagues finished singing the first song. “I’m impressed you did that without a prompter,” he said, followed by a lot of laughs.
“I just want to thank you all. It’s been a long, hard slog and I’ve missed you so very much. All these faces – it just means the world to me and to our family. And my Deborah, who’s just been my rock and I just thank you so much, I really appreciate it” said Al Roker, who was blown away by their show of support.
He also joked that we have a new contestant for America’s Got Talent – adding that the group’s ‘got that going for ya.’ Hoda Kotb was standing front and center and at one point said, “We love you so much, Al! Every single person couldn’t wait to come out and sing to you.” It was a touching moment for the crew.
Al Roker Continues to Recover From Health Scare
In November, Al Roker was admitted to the hospital to treat several blood clots that traveled to his lungs. While he returned home for Thanksgiving, he was readmitted a few days later due to complications. On December 8th, he announced he was back home again and is continuing with the recovery process.
He also made his return to the TODAY Show that day, albeit virtually. “It’s been a tough slog. I’m not going to deny this. It’s been the hardest one yet and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries. But it gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks. I’m a very fortunate person,” he said.
This isn’t the first health scare Al Roker has had. In 2020, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through surgery to treat it and was back home recovering within two weeks. He has also undergone carpal tunnel surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, and gastric bypass surgery.
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During his virtual appearance on the TODAY Show last week, Roker talked about the amount of muscle mass and strength he lost while in the hospital. He’s now going through physical and occupational therapy to regain that strength – and when he does, he’ll be making an official return to work!
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