Update:
Al Roker was rushed to the hospitaal after Thanksgiving several news media outlets are reporting from sources close to the Today Show Weatherman. Mr. Roker was first hospitalized in early November according to a post on Roker’s Instagram page. Page Six reported that his “condition was worrying” but has improved while in the hospital.
Mr. Roker had to be transported by ambulance as Roker’s wife Deborah Roberts was locked out of her car. She couldn’t get her phone or any of her belongings a source told People Magazine.
Mr. Roker mentioned his previous hospitalization was due to a blood clot in his leg. It is unclear if his current hospitalization is related to his previous one earlier in November.
We are praying for a positive outcome for Mr. Roker. You can read our original reporting on this story below.
Original Story:
If you watch NBC’s The Today Show show on a regular basis or even once in awhile, you may have noticed that one of the regular anchors has been noticeably absent from the show. Al Roker hasn’t been on the show for a couple weeks, and until this morning, we didn’t know why.
The last time Roker appeared on The Today Show was Friday November 4, 2022. He was noticeably absent the following Monday and hasn’t been on the air since. The show didn’t mention where he was or why he was missing, and Roker didn’t either.
Concerned fans noticed that Roker was still posting to Instagram even though he wasn’t on air. For example, on the 5th, he posted a picture of the moon, and he posted again on Veteran’s Day. Then, on the 14th, he posted one more time, sharing a video of himself and Dylan Dreyer talking about climate change.
Roker didn’t mention anything about why he was missing from The Today Show in these Instagram posts, but concerned fans used the comments section to ask how he was doing. For example, one person wrote, “Okay Al, everyone seems worried about you. Hope to see you back on air next week. Have an amazing weekend!”
Another comment reads, “Missed you. Where have you been?”
One follower asked, “What’s going on Al? Hoda said you weren’t feeling well.”
Another fan begged, “Where are you Al? Please let us know. Pleeeeez!!!”
Earlier today, two weeks after his last time on air, Roker finally answered his fans and revealed why he has been missing from The Today Show. He posted again on Instagram, this time showing a picture of a bouquet of flowers and a coffee mug that reads, “NBC News Weather.”
In the caption Roker explained, “Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg which sent some clots into my lungs. After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery.” Then Roker thanked his fans “for all the well wishes and prayers.”
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Shortly after Roker posted on Instagram, The Today Show anchors mentioned his hospitalization on air. Each of them wished him well and explained that they have talked to him during his absence.
Savannah Guthrie said that Roker is “in good spirits.” She added, “We’ve all talked to him.”
Then Dreyer gave an example that proved that he seems to be feeling fairly well. She said, “Not that you need us to tell you how incredible Al is, the first time I called him, he immediately said, ‘Hey Dilly-Dill! How are the boys?’ That’s classic Al.”
Carson Daly said, “We need him back. He inspires me every day.”
Then Guthrie added, “I don’t know if he watches this show, but we love you, Al. We miss you!”
Currently, Roker is scheduled to host NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Thursday. Do you think he will be back on the air by then, or do you think NBC will have another anchor fill in as the parade’s host?
