Al Roker's Hospitalization
Roker was first hospitalized shortly after Thanksgiving due to blood clots that spread to his lungs. He stayed in hospital for over two weeks, and returned just one day after being discharged due to reported "complications," but it now looks like he is on the mend. And he has the support from his fans, family, and of course, his Today family, who surprised him with a visit to his home when he returned from the hospital!
'Today' Family Sing Christmas Carols To Roker At His Home
The 68-year-old beloved weatherman shared some pictures of the beautiful event on his Instagram account on December 14th, alongside the caption: "Words cannot express how much I love my @todayshow family for coming over to do a little caroling including a special rendition of 'I’ll Be Home For #Christmas.'"
"It’s impressive you did that without a prompter," he also joked. "I’ve missed you all so, so very much, all these faces," he continued, while being very visibly overcome with emotion. "It just means the world to me and to our family and my [wife] Deborah, who’s just been my rock. I thank you so much. I really appreciated it. I love you more than you’ll ever know."
Al Roker's Latest Health Update
Roker has been a part of Today for over 25 years, and told fans that he is now recovering from the comfort of his home with his family by his side. He even shared pictures of his family lovingly decorating their Christmas tree together inside their Manhattan home, which has no doubt cheered fans up.
Just two days after his Today family's grand gesture, Roker took to Instagram on December 16th to share multiple pictures of his family decorating for the holidays, and wrote: "So thankful to be well enough to decorate the Roker Family #christmastree." And as expected, many fans, as well as his Today co-stars, hit that like button, dropped heart emojis, and wrote supportive comments.
Support From Fans And Co-Workers
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones dropped several red heart emojis, while meteorologist Stephanie Abrams wrote: "Loving all those smiles!" followed by two red heart emojis. "Very happy for you and your family," one fan commented, adding, "your health is your wealth," followed by a red heart emoji.
"It’s the little things that matter!" noted another. "So so so happy that Al’s health improved so he is home with Roker family for Christmas," another fan wrote. "God heard our prayers Al," they added, followed by three red heart emojis. "You are looking better each day," added another. "That's great news. Happy you're doing well," another well-wisher wrote.
Roker's First 'Today' Appearance Following Hospitalization
Roker made his very first Today appearance following his hospitalization on Monday, December 12th, to give fans a much-anticipated update on his health. Savannah Guthrie told Roker, who appeared virtually, "We miss you so much Al. The crowd misses you. There is not a day that we don't go out there that people aren't holding up signs: 'Where is Al?' 'We want Al!"
"It's good to be home. It is good to see your faces," Roker said, before going into more detail about what he has been going through. "It has been a tough slog, I'm not going to lie, it has been the hardest one yet and you know I have had my share of surgeries. So there is a certain amount of weakness. I'm doing physical therapy every day, and occupational therapy. I've got to get my strength back."
"But I feel good. I feel strong. Every day is a little better than the last, and I made dinner last night," he added. "I just feel like there's gonna be a little bit of a slog. But there are people who have to deal with a lot more with a lot fewer resources. I'm very fortunate and very blessed to have the resources."