7 Untold Facts About Alice Bell: The Life And Legacy Of Al Roker's Ex-Wife Who Recently Passed Away

The life of Alice Bell, the respected television producer and former wife of *Today* show meteorologist Al Roker, has recently come back into the public eye following the news of her passing at the age of 77. In a deeply personal announcement made earlier this year, the couple's daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, confirmed the heartbreaking loss, sharing a poignant tribute to the woman she called her mother and her heart. The news, which broke in early 2025, cast a spotlight on a private figure who played a pivotal role in the early career and family life of one of America's most beloved broadcasters.

This article, updated for late 2025, delves into the fascinating and often-overlooked details of Alice Bell’s life, from her own successful career in broadcast news to her enduring legacy as a mother, providing a comprehensive look at the woman behind the headlines. Her story is a testament to a life lived both in the demanding world of New York television and as a dedicated family woman.

Alice Bell Biography and Profile

Alice Bell was a woman of substance, establishing her own career in the competitive New York television landscape before her marriage to Al Roker. While she maintained a relatively private life post-divorce, her professional accomplishments and her role as a mother are her lasting legacies. Below is a detailed profile of her life.

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• Full Name: Alice Bell
• Born: July 11, 1947, in New York City
• Parents: Elizabeth Bell and Calvin Bell
• Nationality: American
• Education: University of California (attended/graduate, per some reports)
• Career: Television Producer, Writer, Operations Producer
• Notable Work: Operations Producer for WNBC's "Live at Five"
• Spouse: Al Roker (Married 1984; Divorced 1994)
• Children: Courtney Roker Laga (Adopted Daughter, born 1987)
• Death: Passed away at age 77 (Confirmed in early 2025)
• Residence: Lived in Yorktown, New York, for a period

The Enduring Legacy: Alice Bell's Passing at 77

The most recent and significant news concerning Alice Bell is her passing at the age of 77. The news was shared with the public by her daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, who posted a heartfelt tribute on social media. This announcement brought an outpouring of condolences from the public and from those within the broadcasting community who knew Alice and her work.

Courtney's emotional post included a slideshow of photos, capturing moments of her mother's life. "She was my mother, my heart, and my first love," Courtney wrote, underscoring the deep bond they shared.

While the official cause of death was not disclosed by the family, photos shared in the tribute showed Alice Bell using an oxygen tube, suggesting she may have been battling a long-term respiratory or health issue in the time leading up to her death.

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In the wake of the news, Al Roker, who was married to Alice for a decade, took time off from his duties on the *Today* show. Although he did not immediately issue a public statement, his absence from the air was seen as a private acknowledgment of his grief and respect for the mother of his eldest child.

Fact 1: She Was a Pioneering Television Producer

Alice Bell was not simply known as "Al Roker's ex-wife"; she was an accomplished professional in her own right, particularly in the New York broadcast news scene. She built a career behind the scenes, starting with smaller roles in television production and eventually rising to a leadership position.

Her most notable professional title was the Operations Producer for WNBC’s popular news program, "Live at Five." This was a significant role during a transformative era in broadcast news, where she helped to shape the delivery and look of local television programming. Her work on shows like "Live at Five" showcased her talent and dedication, earning her respect within the industry.

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Fact 2: Alice Bell Was Al Roker's Second Wife

While many media outlets often refer to Alice Bell as Al Roker's first wife, she was technically his second. Al Roker was first married to Mary Puglisi in 1976, a marriage that ended in divorce. Alice Bell and Al Roker were married in December 1984 in Peekskill, New York, a union that lasted until their divorce in 1994. Their relationship began while both were working in the television industry, a common thread in Roker's romantic life.

Following their divorce, Roker went on to marry his current wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, in 1995. The marriage to Alice Bell is most significant because it resulted in their shared daughter, Courtney, who remains a strong link between the two families.

Fact 3: The Story of Adopting Courtney Roker Laga

One of the most defining aspects of their marriage was the adoption of their daughter, Courtney Roker, in 1987. The adoption was a major life event for the couple, and Courtney remains their only child together. The bond between Alice and Courtney was evidently profound, as reflected in Courtney's emotional public tribute following her mother's death.

Courtney Roker Laga has since grown up to be a successful professional herself, graduating from New York University and working as a pastry chef. She is also a mother, having given Alice the joy of being a grandmother.

Fact 4: She Maintained a Very Private Life Post-Divorce

After her divorce from the high-profile Al Roker, Alice Bell largely stepped away from the media spotlight. She chose to lead a very private life, focusing on her career and raising her daughter. This decision is a testament to her character, preferring a quiet existence over the perpetual scrutiny that often follows a split from a major celebrity like the *Today* show co-anchor. Information about her life outside of her professional and parental roles is scarce, which speaks volumes about her commitment to privacy.

Fact 5: Her Daughter's Career is a Culinary Success Story

Alice Bell's legacy continues through her daughter, Courtney Roker Laga. Courtney is a successful pastry chef who often shares her culinary creations and family life on social media. The fact that Courtney's life is so public, in contrast to her mother's, gives fans a glimpse into the family dynamic. Courtney is married to Wesley Laga, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Sky Clara Laga, making Alice a proud grandmother before her passing.

Fact 6: She Was Connected to Yorktown, New York

While Alice Bell was born in New York City, she was a figure in the Yorktown, New York, community for a period. The local news media in the area acknowledged her passing, referring to her as Alice Roker and noting her connection to the town. This geographical detail provides a small but important insight into the environment where she raised her daughter and lived her post-marriage life.

Fact 7: The Media Often Confused Her Relationship Status

Due to the relative privacy of Al Roker's first, short-lived marriage to Mary Puglisi, Alice Bell is frequently—and incorrectly—labeled as his "first wife" in media reports, especially those focusing on his family life. While she was his second wife, she was the first to share a child with him, Courtney Roker Laga, which cemented her place as a significant figure in his personal history and the public's perception of his family. Her passing has ensured that her full story, as an independent professional and a loving mother, is finally being told.