You see it every few months. A frantic headline pops up on your feed or a weirdly vague "RIP" post circles on social media, and suddenly everyone is asking the same panicked question: is Al Roker dead? It’s a gut-punch for anyone who has grown up watching the Today show’s resident sunshine.
Honestly, the short answer is a resounding no. Al Roker is very much alive.
Just this past November, in 2025, he was seen surprising his co-hosts on his day off, literally popping up in the window of Studio 1A while Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer were mid-interview. He’s been traveling to Italy with his wife, Deborah Roberts, and celebrating his 71st birthday with the kind of energy most people half his age would envy.
So why does the internet keep trying to bury him?
The 2022 Health Crisis That Changed Everything
The reason "is Al Roker dead" trends so often isn't just because of bored internet trolls. It’s rooted in a very real, very scary medical emergency that almost took him out in late 2022.
It started with blood clots.
Roker was hospitalized in November 2022 after clots in his legs moved to his lungs. That was terrifying enough, but then things went sideways. He was released, only to be rushed back by ambulance on Thanksgiving Day. Think about that. For the first time in 27 years, Al Roker wasn't at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. That’s when the "death" rumors really took flight.
Behind the scenes, it was a mess. Al later admitted he "almost died." He had internal bleeding that was so severe he lost half of his blood. Doctors had to perform a seven-hour surgery to fix two bleeding ulcers, resection his colon, and remove his gallbladder. His wife and daughter actually kept the severity of the situation from him while he was recovering so he could focus on healing.
Battling Through Prostate Cancer and Knee Revisions
Roker has basically become the bionic man of morning television. Before the 2022 scare, he dealt with a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020. He was incredibly open about it, specifically aiming to raise awareness for Black men, who are statistically at higher risk. He had his prostate removed and was declared cancer-free in 2021.
Then came the joints.
He’s had multiple knee replacements. In May 2023, he had a "knee revision" surgery, which is basically replacing a replacement. It’s a brutal recovery. He was walking around with a catheter and a leg bag during his various recoveries, but he still showed up to work as soon as he could.
When a celebrity has this many documented hospital stays, the "death hoax" industry goes into overdrive. Every time he takes a week off for a vacation or a minor cold—like the "very sick Christmas" his family had in 2025—the "is Al Roker dead" search queries spike.
Why the Rumors Won't Go Away
The internet is a weird place.
Search engines and social algorithms often reward sensationalism. If Al Roker isn't on the Today show for three days, someone, somewhere, will post a video with a black-and-white photo of him and a "we will miss you" caption just to get clicks.
People also get confused by the loss of people around him. In early 2025, Al missed some time because his ex-wife, Alice Bell, passed away. His daughter Courtney shared the news on Instagram, and because "Al Roker" and "death" were in the same news cycle, the rumors reignited.
He's 71 now. He’s been on the show since 1996. We're used to him being there every single morning. When he isn’t, we assume the worst.
What Really Happened With the Retirement Talk?
There was a moment where people thought he was leaving for good. After Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the show in early 2025, everyone looked at Al.
He’s been pretty blunt about it. "You know when you know," he told People. But he followed that up by saying he doesn't think his time has come yet. He’s still the guy who crashes the set on his day off because he can’t stay away.
Staying Informed Without the Panic
If you want to know the truth about Al Roker’s status, don't look at "breaking news" posts on Facebook from accounts you've never heard of.
Follow the Source:
- The Today Show: If something happened to Al, NBC would be the first to report it.
- His Instagram (@alroker): He is extremely active, posting "Start TODAY" walking videos and photos of his grandkids.
- Deborah Roberts (@debrobertsabc): His wife often posts the "real" updates on their life together.
Basically, as of January 2026, Al is still walking, still reporting on the weather, and still telling us what's happening in our neck of the woods.
The next time you see a headline asking "is Al Roker dead," check his Instagram first. Chances are, he’s just on a treadmill or eating a really good sandwich in Italy.
Stop falling for the clickbait. Al is a survivor who has beaten cancer, blood clots, and multiple surgeries. He’s not going anywhere without a fight, and he certainly isn't going to let a random internet rumor be the final word on his career.
Next Steps for Staying Updated
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Check the official Today show social media channels for the most recent morning line-up. If Al is absent, look for his "walking" posts on Instagram, as he typically shares his morning routine even when he is on vacation or taking a personal day. Don't engage with "RIP" posts on social media platforms, as these are often designed to distribute malware or farm engagement through misinformation.