Al Roker Celebrates Thirty Years On Today Show

On a crisp January morning in 2026, the set of NBC’s Today show was buzzing with an energy that even the most seasoned of morning hosts found contagious. Why? Al Roker, the show’s beloved weatherman, was celebrating his 30th anniversary—a milestone that prompted not just a party, but a heartfelt look back at a career that’s become as much a part of American mornings as coffee and toast.

Roker, now 71, has been the face of the show’s weather since 1996, when he stepped into the shoes of the late Willard Scott. Over the decades, he’s become a fixture not just for his meteorological expertise, but for his warmth, humor, and the sense of continuity he brings to a show that’s been greeting viewers since 1952. According to People magazine, when asked if he was considering retirement, Roker responded with characteristic candor and a laugh: “Well, let’s put it this way. I haven’t thought about retirement. Somebody at NBC, that might be a different story.” He added, “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.”

The anniversary, dubbed the “Al-iversary,” was nothing short of epic. The Today family orchestrated a celebration filled with tributes, surprise guests, and a few tears. Co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly were among the first to honor Roker on air. Guthrie described him as always being “front and center” for the show, Melvin called him a “global ambassador,” and Daly noted he’s the “constant” of the program. Jenna Bush Hager, meanwhile, celebrated his humor, calling Roker “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met” and an “American treasure.”

The tributes didn’t stop with his colleagues. Meteorologists from across the country joined in to recognize Roker’s influence. Tevin Wooten from NBC Boston told Roker, “As a person of color, to do what you do at such a high level, it is an honor to see you every single morning … and to actually receive the toss from you after you say, ‘what’s happening in our neck of the woods.’” Miami’s Steve MacLaughlin credited Roker for inspiring his own career, saying, “I’m sitting here today, I’m a weatherman, because growing up, I watched him.” Chicago’s Iisha Scott reflected on how seeing Roker on TV since she was seven years old encouraged her to dream big: “To do what you do, at this level, has allowed me to just blossom.”

Behind the scenes, Roker’s family was a core part of the celebration. His wife of 31 years, Deborah Roberts, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “So deeply proud of this guy, who’s celebrating 3 decades of passion, devotion and storytelling on The Today Show. Your family couldn’t be happier or prouder to see you still going strong.” The couple’s three children—Courtney Roker Laga, Leila Roker, and Nick Roker—joined in the festivities, with Courtney noting that of all Roker’s accomplishments, he’s most proud of his granddaughter, Sky Clara Laga.

Roker’s stylist, Brian Hawkins, also marked the occasion with a social media shoutout, underscoring the weatherman’s status as a fashion icon as well as a broadcast legend. Even Howard Stern, a longtime friend, surprised Roker live on air. Stern joked, “I always tell people, ‘I love Al Roker.’ Why? I don’t know,” before turning sincere: “In a crazy world, you’re a positive, and I’m so glad to call you my friend.”

The celebration wasn’t all nostalgia and tears. The third hour of the show featured the “Al-wards Ceremony,” a tongue-in-cheek awards segment that crowned Roker’s best recipe (Al’s Sweet Potato Poon), his top physical feat (Al-In-Action, a stunt with Clive Standen), and the “That’s So Al Award” for his signature antics over the years. There was even a barbecue feast featuring Roker’s favorite ribs and a toast with his preferred cocktails—gin and tonic, and an aperol spritz.

Roker’s journey to Today is itself a story of resilience and reinvention. Born in Queens, New York, he originally aspired to be a cartoonist before pivoting to broadcasting. He landed his first weather gig at a local station in Syracuse, then moved to Cleveland’s WKYC, where he spent five formative years. NBC New York brought him back to the Big Apple, where he quickly became a staple on the city’s airwaves and a regular substitute for Willard Scott. When Scott semi-retired in 1996, Roker was the natural choice to take over the national stage.

Throughout his career, Roker has weathered personal storms as well. In November 2025, he marked five years since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, sharing a video montage to thank his medical team and urging men—especially men of color—to get tested. “Five years ago today, I had my cancerous prostate removed,” he posted. “Thanks to Dr. Vincent Laudone and the staff at @memorialsloankettering for the treatment I received and to all the men out there, and the folks that love them, make sure you get your PSA checked, especially if you’re a man of color. We have higher rates of getting and dying from prostate cancer.” Roker has been in remission since May 2021. He’s also undergone multiple knee surgeries, including a total knee replacement in 2023 that sidelined him for several weeks.

But if you ask Roker about legacy, he keeps it simple. “People, when they watch, that they didn’t feel like I wasted their time,” he told People. “And that hopefully they felt better after watching than before.” He’s realistic about his place in Today’s long history, noting, “The mission over these 74 years has not changed. The way we bring it to you may have, and look, the fact of the matter is we are each temporary custodians of this legacy … 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.”

As the confetti settled and the tributes wound down, Roker’s signature phrase—“Here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods”—seemed more poignant than ever. Thirty years in, he remains the steady, optimistic voice that millions rely on to start their day, and by all accounts, he’s not planning to step away from the green screen just yet.