If you turn on the TV at 7 a.m. and don't see that iconic glasses-and-grin combo, it honestly feels like the world is slightly off its axis. Al Roker has been a fixture on NBC Today for so long that he’s basically become the nation's collective uncle. But lately, people have been searching his name with a bit of anxiety. Is he retiring? How is his health holding up after those scary hospital stints?
We’ve seen the headlines, but the real story is about a guy who simply refuses to quit. As of early 2026, Al isn't just "still there"—he’s arguably having the most prolific run of his career. From surviving life-threatening blood clots to celebrating 30 years as a regular on the show, the "Roker-thon" spirit is very much alive.
The 30-Year Itch (That Never Happened)
Most people in television burn out after a decade. The grueling 3:30 a.m. alarms and the pressure to be "on" while the rest of the world is still rubbing sleep from their eyes is enough to break anyone. Yet, Al Roker recently hit that massive 30-year milestone as a Today show staple.
Think about that for a second.
He started as a regular in 1996, taking over for the legendary Willard Scott. Since then, he’s outlasted almost every other anchor chair change. He saw the Matt Lauer era end, he welcomed Savannah Guthrie, and he’s stood by Hoda Kotb through her recent decision to step back from the daily grind.
"I live with a real journalist, I just play one on TV," Al joked recently, referring to his wife, ABC’s Deborah Roberts. But don't let the self-deprecation fool you. Whether he's standing in the middle of a Category 4 hurricane or interviewing a kid at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, he has a way of making live TV look easy. It’s not. It’s actually incredibly hard to be that consistent for three decades.
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What Really Happened With Al Roker’s Health?
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. In late 2022 and throughout 2023, there was a point where fans were genuinely terrified. Al vanished from the air. He missed the Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years.
It wasn't just a "bad flu." It was a series of medical "bears," as he calls them:
- Blood Clots: He was hospitalized for clots in his leg that traveled to his lungs.
- Internal Bleeding: Just when he thought he was out of the woods, he ended up back in surgery for bleeding ulcers.
- Major Surgery: He had his gallbladder removed and part of his colon resected.
- Knee Revision: In 2023, he had to go back under the knife for a "replacement of a replacement" on his left knee.
Honestly, the fact that he's walking—let alone doing 10,000 steps a day and reporting from the plaza—is kind of a miracle. He credits his survival to his fitness level prior to the crisis. His doctors told him straight up: if he hadn't been in the shape he was in, he might not have made it.
By late 2025, Al hit a major milestone: five years since his 2020 prostate cancer surgery. He shared a video from Memorial Sloan Kettering, looking a bit "loopy" from anesthesia but sporting a huge grin because his PSA levels were negligible. He’s been very vocal about this, especially for men of color who face higher risks. He’s not just reporting the news anymore; he’s using his own body as a PSA for preventative care.
Life Beyond the Weather Map
If you think Al just points at a green screen and goes home, you haven't been paying attention. He’s built a literal empire.
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His production company, Al Roker Entertainment, is currently pushing into new territory. One of the coolest things he’s done lately is the PBS Kids show Weather Hunters. It follows an 8-year-old "weather detective" named Lily Hunter. Al voices her dad, who—surprise, surprise—is a fun-loving weathercaster. It’s a full-circle moment for a guy who says he originally wanted to work behind the scenes in TV, not in front of the camera.
Then there’s the food. Al is a legit culinary authority now. He recently released Recipes to Live By, a cookbook co-written with his daughter Courtney Roker Laga. It wasn't just a business move; the book was born out of his recovery. While he was in the hospital "almost dying," Courtney told him they should do a book together to give him something to look forward to.
The New Role: "Pop-Pop"
If you follow him on Instagram, you know the real star of the show isn't Al—it’s Sky. His granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga, has completely changed his perspective.
He’s in full "proud grandpa" mode. Whether it’s dancing with a 2-year-old or eating "croissants bigger than their heads" with his daughter Leila in Paris, Al seems to be leaning into the "lifestyle" part of his career more than ever. He’s even admitted that Mother’s Day 2025 felt "weird" because it was the first time all his kids (Courtney, Leila, and Nick) had officially flown the nest.
Why Al Roker Still Matters to NBC Today
In an era of deepfakes and overly polished influencers, Roker is the "real deal." He’s the guy who accidentally falls asleep on air (and laughs about it) or gets into "off-the-record" banter with Craig Melvin that accidentally makes it to the mics.
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He represents a bridge to the past. He has that "DNA from the past," as he puts it, having worked with the giants of the 80s and 90s, but he’s adapted to the TikTok era without looking like he’s trying too hard.
So, what’s next?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will hit its 100th anniversary in 2026. You can bet everything you own that Al Roker will be there, likely wearing a ridiculous hat and interviewing a giant balloon. He’s moved from being a "temporary custodian" of the show to being its actual foundation.
Actionable Takeaways from Al’s Journey
- Don't skip the checkup: Al’s prostate cancer was caught through routine bloodwork. If you’re over 45 (or 40 for men of color), get your PSA checked.
- Fitness is an insurance policy: He survived a 2022 medical crisis because he had a baseline of health from walking and light weights. You don't need to run marathons; just keep moving.
- Pivot when you need to: Al didn't just stay "the weather guy." He became an author, a producer, and a chef. Diversifying your skills keeps you relevant.
- Family first, always: Even with 10 Emmys, his biggest "flex" is clearly his granddaughter.
Al Roker isn't going anywhere. He’s shown us that you can face the worst health scares imaginable and come back stronger, as long as you’ve got a good support system and a reason to get up at 3 a.m.
Next Steps for You: Check your health records today. If it's been more than a year since your last physical or blood panel, book that appointment. Take a page out of Al’s book—resilience starts with being proactive.