You think you know Al Roker. He’s the guy who has been telling us whether to grab an umbrella or sunscreen every morning for over three decades. But honestly, the "America's Weatherman" persona is just the tip of the iceberg. When the cameras in Studio 1A cut to commercial, Al isn't just checking barometric pressures. He’s a guy who has navigated a complicated blended family, survived health scares that would’ve leveled most people, and is currently obsessed with being a "Pop-Pop."
Al Roker and family have basically become the unofficial royal family of morning television. It’s not just about the fame, though. It’s about the fact that they’re kind of messy and real, just like the rest of us. They deal with competing schedules, neurodiversity, and the bittersweet reality of an empty nest.
The Anchor of the Household: Deborah Roberts
It is sort of hilarious to think about their breakfast table. You’ve got Al, the face of NBC’s Today, and his wife, Deborah Roberts, a powerhouse co-anchor for ABC’s 20/20. In a world where corporate loyalty is everything, they’ve managed to stay happily married since 1995 while working for rival networks.
But it wasn't always smooth sailing.
Early on, Deborah had to make some heavy choices. When their daughter Leila was born in 1998, ABC offered Deborah a massive role on Good Morning America. She turned it down. Why? Because Al’s career at Today was already cemented, and someone had to be the primary presence at home. Al has been incredibly vocal about the guilt he feels over that sacrifice. He’s admitted that her career took a hit so his could soar, which is a level of honesty you don't often see from "perfect" celebrity couples.
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The Three Roker Kids: A Study in Different Paths
Al’s kids aren't just "celebrity children." They’re out there doing their own thing, mostly away from the bright lights of Rockefeller Center.
- Courtney Roker Laga: Al’s eldest daughter from his first marriage to Alice Bell. She’s a chef and a mom. In early 2025, the family went through a rough patch when Courtney’s mother, Alice, passed away. It was a moment that showed the strength of the Roker-Roberts bond; Deborah has always treated Courtney as her own, and that support was front and center during the grieving process.
- Leila Roker: The middle child and the one most likely to follow the journalism bug. She’s been living her best life in Paris for years. In March 2025, Al announced that Leila is engaged, and the family is currently deep in wedding planning mode for a spring ceremony. She’s worked for Peacock and NBC, proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, even if that tree is planted in French soil.
- Nick Roker: The youngest. Nick is perhaps the person Al admires most. Nick is neurodivergent—Al has described him as being on the autism spectrum—and his journey has been a public inspiration. When Nick graduated from college in May 2025 with a degree in communication, Al’s Instagram was basically a digital scrapbook of "proud dad" moments.
Why Al Roker and Family are Suddenly "Empty Nesters"
The house is quiet. Too quiet, maybe?
Recently, Al admitted that Mother’s Day 2025 felt "weird." For the first time, none of the kids were home. It’s a transition every parent dreads and anticipates. Al and Deborah are rediscovering who they are as a duo, without the constant hum of teenagers or college kids in the background. They spend a lot of time at their place in the Hudson Valley, trying to figure out what to do with all that extra space.
"You spend 30 years trying to get them out of the house, and then they leave, and you're just sitting there wondering what happened to the time." — Al Roker (paraphrased from recent Today segments).
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The Grandchild Factor: Enter Sky Clara
If you want to see Al Roker lose his cool, just bring up Sky Clara Laga. Courtney’s daughter, born in July 2023, has completely shifted Al’s perspective on life. He credits this little girl with helping him recover from his terrifying 2022 health crisis involving blood clots and internal bleeding.
He’s not just a grandfather; he’s a "Pop-Pop" who does the overnight shifts. He’s shared photos of feeding her, walking her in the park, and basically being her number one fan. It’s a side of Al that feels more authentic than the guy telling you it’s 72 degrees in Des Moines.
The Health Battle That Changed Everything
We have to talk about the 2022-2023 era. It was scary. Al was hospitalized with blood clots in his legs that migrated to his lungs. He missed the Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years.
He nearly died.
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His doctors later told him that if he hadn't been in such good physical shape—thanks to his daily walks and weight training—he wouldn't have made it through the surgeries where they removed his gallbladder and resected his colon. This health journey has made Al Roker and family more intentional. They don't take the "boring" days for granted anymore. Al still checks his weight every single day, staying grounded after his 100-plus pound weight loss years ago, but now it's about longevity, not just the scale.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As we move through 2026, Al isn't slowing down, but he is shifting. He’s working on projects like the animated series Weather Hunters, which is all about making science fun for kids—inspired, no doubt, by his own experiences as a father and grandfather.
The "Roker Way" is basically just showing up. Whether it's for a 4:00 AM alarm or a 2:00 AM diaper change for Sky, Al has built a legacy on being the guy who stays in the game.
Actionable Takeaways for Families
- Embrace the Blended Dynamic: Al and Deborah’s relationship with Courtney proves that "step" doesn't have to mean "separate." Open communication and mutual respect are the only ways to make it work.
- Prioritize Health Screenings: Al is a huge advocate for PSA tests (prostate cancer screening) and general checkups. Don't wait for a crisis to see a doctor.
- Celebrate the Milestones: Whether it’s a black belt in Taekwondo or a college degree in communications, Al’s public celebration of Nick’s achievements reminds us to cheer loudly for our kids’ "hard-won" victories.
- Adapt to the Empty Nest: If you're a parent facing a quiet house, take a page from Al’s book—find new hobbies, revisit your relationship with your partner, and get ready for the "grandparent" chapter, which might be the best one yet.
To keep up with the family's latest milestones, you can follow Al and Deborah on Instagram, where they are surprisingly active and candid about their daily lives. Focus on building your own family's resilience by scheduling that long-overdue dinner or health checkup this week.