NBC’s Studio 1A will be a whole lot livelier come Friday morning as Today show welcomes back co-host and beloved weatherman Al Roker.
Roker, who has been absent from NBC’s morning franchise since early November as he had been admitted to the hospital as a result of having a blood clot in his leg, which according to Roker’s Instagram post, subsequently sent some clots into his lung.
The announcement of Roker’s return was made this morning by Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb during the 7:30 am block of the morning show.
“Our sunshine is coming back Friday morning!” Guthrie happily exclaimed after the announcement was made.
It has been a rough outing for Roker these past few months as he was admitted to the hospital for a second time right after Thanksgiving, with Page Six reporting that he was rushed back via ambulance a day after he had been released from the hospital.
His second stint at the hospital lasted until Dec. 8.
During a video call on Dec. 12 with the Today show, Roker said that it had been a “tough slog,” adding that “It’s been the hardest one yet, and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries. It gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks. I’m a very fortunate person.”
Roker has been a Today staple for the past 30 years, and his absence has been felt by his Today show crew and viewers. It was even more noticeable during the holiday period as he missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, his first absence in 27 years, and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree on Nov. 30.
Roker was surprised with a holiday serenade by his Today show crew on Dec. 14 as they gathered around his home and sang Christmas carols, bringing smiles and tears to an emotional and grateful Roker.
