Al Roker, the beloved weatherman from The Today Show, recently had an unexpected absence that left viewers confused. Rumors began to swirl, with some concerned that it might be related to his previous health issues. In 2020, Al underwent surgery to remove his prostate due to prostate cancer.
However, it turns out that his absence was not connected to cancer. Al took to Instagram on November 18, 2022, to share the reason for his departure. He revealed that he had been hospitalized for blood clots that had spread from his leg to his lungs.
In his Instagram post, alongside a photo of a bouquet of flowers, Al expressed his gratitude for the concern and well wishes from his fans. He shared, “After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers, and hope to see you soon.”
Al’s presence was significantly missed during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where he had been a familiar face for 27 years. However, he was released from the hospital just in time to enjoy a bit of the parade and Thanksgiving dinner.
Unfortunately, his time at home was short-lived, as he had to return to the hospital after the holiday. This forced him to miss his hosting duties for the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center. Despite the challenges he faced, Al remained grateful for the overwhelming support and prayers he received.
During a video appearance on December 12, Al opened up about the difficulties he experienced during his hospital stays. He shared that he had lost muscle mass due to his extended time in the hospital and was focusing on physical and occupational therapy to regain his strength. Despite these setbacks, he reassured everyone that he was feeling better every day.
Throughout his health journey, fans from all over the country have continued to send prayers and well wishes to Al. In a heartwarming surprise, his TODAY family decided to brighten his day by serenading him at his New York City home. Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager, and other TODAY staff gathered to sing “Jingle Bells” and a special version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The emotional moment touched everyone involved and brought tears to their eyes.
Now, after a month-long battle with his health, Al Roker is on the mend. He has been sharing updates on his Instagram page, showing his appreciation for the holiday season and spending time with his loved ones. Al is embracing the Christmas spirit, whether it’s through cooking in his kitchen or decorating the Christmas tree with his family.
We are relieved to see Al back home, enjoying the holidays with his loved ones. Let’s continue to send our well wishes and hope that he can enjoy this special time without any further hospital visits.
