Beloved weather presenter Al Roker has firmly dismissed any speculation about retirement as he celebrates a remarkable thirty years on NBC's flagship morning programme, Today. The 71-year-old broadcaster marked his "Al-iversary" on the show this week with special tributes and highlights from his three-decade tenure.
"I Haven't Thought About Retirement"
In an exclusive interview with People magazine to commemorate the milestone, Roker addressed questions about his future plans with characteristic humour and candour. "Well, let's put it this way. I haven't thought about retirement," he revealed, before adding with a chuckle, "Somebody at NBC, that might be a different story."
The veteran presenter expressed his enduring passion for his role, stating: "I love what I do. I feel good. I love this job. I love doing it. At some point, I guess I won't be, but I don't feel like that's anytime soon, so I'm just gonna keep going."
Reflections on Legacy and the Today Show Family
Roker went on to praise the entire Today team, both past and present, acknowledging the special nature of his long-running association with the programme. "At some point I won't be part of the show, somebody else will be, but to be part of a pretty cool club is very special," he reflected.
He added: "To say that this was a dream job isn't really accurate because it never dawned on me that I could be on the Today show."
While retirement isn't currently on his agenda, Roker has contemplated what he hopes his legacy will be when he eventually steps away from the screen. "People, when they watch, that they didn't feel like I wasted their time," he explained. "And that hopefully they felt better after watching than before."
Three Decades of Weather Forecasting
Roker joined Today as the weekday weather anchor in 1996, taking over from the legendary broadcaster Willard Scott, who passed away in 2021. His three decades on the show have established him as one of American television's most recognisable and enduring personalities.
Overcoming Significant Health Challenges
Throughout his years on Today, Roker has been remarkably open about the serious health issues he has faced. In 2022, he was hospitalised with blood clots in both his legs and lungs, causing him to miss the annual Thanksgiving Day parade for the first time in twenty-seven years.
After returning home, he was readmitted to hospital just one month later suffering from internal bleeding caused by ulcers. During this hospital stay, Roker underwent emergency surgery which involved a colon resection and gallbladder removal.
He returned to the Today show in 2023 and provided viewers with a detailed account of his ordeal. "I lost half my blood. [My doctors] were trying to figure out where it was," he explained about his hospital experience. "I really do feel good. I'm sure I'm going to collapse like a stone after this is over because this is the first work I've done. It's been a journey."
Reflecting on the experience in June, Roker told People how he managed to survive these serious health crises. "My doctor said if I had not been in the shape I had been, I would most likely not be here today," he revealed, highlighting the importance of his physical fitness in his recovery.
As he celebrates this significant career milestone, Al Roker's commitment to his role and his resilience in the face of health challenges continue to inspire both colleagues and viewers alike.
