For over a month, TODAY Show weatherman Al Roker has been fighting his health. His disappearance from The Today Show left both fans and coworkers deeply concerned until he bravely revealed that he had been hospitalized for blood clots. Thankfully, the support of millions of viewers was enough to motivate him to share this news and wish him well on TODAY!
Although this Thanksgiving marked the first time in 27 years that Al Roker was not present to cover The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, he still had much to celebrate. After being discharged from the hospital, he enjoyed a family holiday surrounded by his loved ones and felt immense gratitude for all of life’s blessings.
Instead of attending the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony, Roker returned to the hospital in a matter of days for another visit – prioritizing his own health and well-being.
Positively, the 63-year-old weatherman has been released from the medical facility once more. While a return to TODAY might not be in his immediate future, he is recovering and concentrating on becoming strong again.
Upon his second discharge from the hospital, Roker shared a post on Instagram, “Home! So incredibly grateful to family, friends, medical folks, @todayshow family and all your thoughts and prayers.”
On The TODAY Show, Roker rejoiced from home as he revealed he had been discharged from the hospital and was now comfortably situated at his kitchen table. His colleagues cheered with joy and elation, while Roker beamed at them through the camera lens.
Roker happily announced that he was back home, surrounded by his loved ones and reuniting with coworkers. “It’s just good to be home,” he said gratefully. He went on to express appreciation for being able to once again join in conversations with friendly faces from the office.
Al Roker gave enthusiastic recognition to Kotb for “coming by the hospital.” With a chuckle, he quipped, “Hoda was actually, I think, named as an honorary doctor. She would literally show up. She did a ‘Ho-dini,’ the way she would just be there.”
Despite the jokes, Roker was quite candid about his hospital stay. He referred to it as a “tough slog,” which certainly speaks volumes of his resolve and strength. He continued, “This has been the hardest one yet, and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries.”
Despite his challenging health struggle, Roker expressed immense appreciation by saying: “I’m a very fortunate person.”
Hoda Kotb inquired when Al Roker might be able to return to work, yet he did not give an exact response. Rather, he highlighted that while in the hospital, his body had lost much of its muscle mass and was still regaining strength. He’s “doing physical therapy every day, occupational therapy. I’ve gotta just get my strength back.” He continued, “Every day I feel a little bit better.”
Al Roker bestowed heartfelt praise upon the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel of New York Presbyterian hospital where he was admitted. He described them all as “terrific.”
