Al Roker Bids Emotional Farewell to ‘Today’ Show After Decades of Storms and Sunshine

Byline: Entertainment Desk New York, December 29, 2025 – In a tearful announcement that has left fans reeling, beloved weather anchor Al Roker has confirmed his retirement from NBC’s Today show, effective at the end of the year. The 71-year-old icon, known as America’s favorite weatherman, shared the news in an exclusive interview, citing health concerns and a desire to focus on family after a career spanning nearly five decades. “It’s time to hang up the raincoat,” Roker said, his voice cracking with emotion. This marks the end of an era for morning television, where Roker’s infectious smile and unflappable demeanor have brightened households through hurricanes, heatwaves, and heartfelt moments.

Born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York, to a Jamaican mother and Bahamian father, Roker’s journey began far from the spotlight. Raised Catholic and initially aspiring to be a cartoonist, he attended Xavier High School before earning a B.A. in communications from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1976. His broadcasting career kicked off in 1974 as a weather anchor for CBS affiliate WHEN-TV in Syracuse while still in college. By 1978, he had joined NBC’s WKYC in Cleveland, honing his skills before landing at WNBC-TV in New York in 1983, where he replaced Dr. Frank Field as the weeknight weathercaster.

Roker’s big break came in 1996 when he stepped into the role of weekday weather presenter on Today following Willard Scott’s semi-retirement. Over the years, he became more than a forecaster; he was a co-host, interviewer, and cultural staple. From reporting live inside Hurricane Wilma in 2005 to hosting the third hour of Today (known as Today’s Take from 2012 to 2017), Roker’s versatility shone through. He set Guinness World Records with his “Rokerthon” marathons: a 34-hour nonstop forecast in 2014, a 50-state weather report in 2015, and college visits in 2017. His presence extended to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1995 (missing only 2022 due to health issues), game shows like Celebrity Family Feud in 2008, and even voice acting in animated series such as The Proud Family and the 2025 PBS Kids show Weather Hunters, where he stars as Al Hunter.

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Beyond the screen, Roker authored several books, including the Billy Blessing mystery series with Dick Lochte (The Morning Show Murders in 2009, among others) and personal memoirs like Don’t Make Me Stop This Car! (2000) on fatherhood and Never Goin’ Back (2013) on his weight-loss journey after gastric bypass surgery in 2002, which helped him shed over 100 pounds. His theater credits include Broadway cameos in Waitress (2018-2019), Gutenberg! The Musical! (2023), and Back to the Future: The Musical (2024). Film appearances range from Men in Black (1997) to the Sharknado series and Good Burger 2 (2023).

Roker’s personal life has been a blend of joy and challenges. Married three times—first to college sweetheart Mary Puglisi (divorced), then to WNBC producer Alice Bell in 1984 (with whom he adopted daughter Courtney, now a chef), and since 1995 to ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts—he is father to Leila (born 1998) and Nicholas (born 2002, who has special needs). The family resides in a Manhattan townhouse and a Berkshire home. Roker, an Episcopalian and honorary Phi Beta Sigma member, often credits his support system for his resilience.

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Health battles have defined much of Roker’s later years. From knee replacements in 2001 and 2016, back surgery in 2005, carpal tunnel in 2018, hip replacement in 2019, to prostate cancer surgery in 2020, he’s been open about his struggles. In November 2022, blood clots in his lungs led to hospitalizations for internal bleeding, ulcers, colon resection, and gallbladder removal, sidelining him until January 2023. These ordeals, he revealed, played a key role in his decision to retire. “I’ve weathered enough storms—literal and figurative,” Roker told Entertainment Tonight. Speculation about his exit ramped up after co-host Hoda Kotb’s departure earlier in 2025, with Roker addressing it in interviews, saying, “You know when you know.”

The announcement came amid absences from the show in August 2025, initially attributed to family time, but sources now confirm it was part of his transition planning. A Facebook post on December 11 hinted at the news, stating Roker would leave at year’s end, with a successor revealed—rumored to be Dylan Dreyer or a fresh face. An Instagram clip captured the studio’s emotional reaction, erupting in applause as Roker shared it’s “not really a retirement” but a shift to new ventures like producing and family.

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Fans have flooded social media with tributes, recalling his humor during crises and advocacy for health awareness. NBC executives praised him as “irreplaceable,” planning a star-studded send-off on December 31. Roker, ever the optimist, teased future projects: more books, podcasts, and perhaps mentoring young meteorologists. “The forecast for me? Sunny with a chance of adventure,” he quipped.

As Roker steps away, his legacy endures: a pioneer who made weather relatable, a family man who inspired resilience, and a broadcaster who turned forecasts into feel-good moments. Millions will miss his morning presence, but as he said, “Change is in the air.” (Word count: 712)