5 Key Reasons Why Al Roker Is NOT Leaving The Today Show (And His Unexpected Retirement Timeline)

The question of whether Al Roker is leaving the Today Show has become a constant topic of speculation among fans, especially following his high-profile health scares and recent absences. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the beloved weather anchor has definitively shut down rumors of an imminent departure, confirming that he is staying put at NBC. However, Roker has also begun to openly discuss his future and a potential retirement timeline, providing a nuanced answer to the curiosity surrounding his decades-long career.

The veteran journalist, known for his cheerful presence and unwavering dedication, remains an indispensable part of the morning news lineup. While he has faced significant personal challenges, including serious health battles, his commitment to the Today Show and his co-hosts—Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly—has never wavered. The truth is, while Al Roker is not leaving now, the conversation about his eventual exit is more real than ever as he looks ahead to a new chapter.

Al Roker: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., or simply Al Roker, has cemented his status as one of America’s most recognizable and enduring television personalities. His career spans over four decades, primarily as the weather anchor for NBC’s flagship morning program, the Today Show. Below is a detailed profile of the iconic broadcaster.

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• Full Name: Albert Lincoln Roker Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 20, 1954
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
• Primary Role: Weather Anchor for Today and Co-host of 3rd Hour Today
• Current Spouse: Deborah Roberts (m. 1995), ABC News journalist
• Former Spouses: Alice Bell (m. 1984; div. 1994), Mary Puglisi (m. 1976; div. 1983)
• Children: Courtney Roker (from his marriage to Alice Bell), Leila Roker, and Nicholas "Nick" Albert Roker (with Deborah Roberts)
• Education: State University of New York at Oswego (B.A. in Communications)
• Career Start: Began his broadcasting career in Syracuse, NY, at WTVH-TV.
• NBC History: Joined WNBC-TV in New York in 1983 and became the main weather anchor for the Today Show in 1996.
• Notable Achievements: Multiple Emmy Awards, including a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Live Event Coverage.

The Latest Update: Why Al Roker Is Staying (For Now)

The rumors about Al Roker's departure frequently resurface, fueled by his occasional planned vacations, short breaks, or, most notably, his past health crises. However, recent reports and his own public statements confirm that he is not set to leave the Today Show in the immediate future.

1. He Recently Shot Down Retirement Rumors

Despite reaching a significant milestone birthday and his colleague Hoda Kotb's rumored temporary exit in early 2025, Roker has been clear about his current intentions. In a conversation with his co-hosts, Roker indicated that while he is looking ahead to a retirement timeline, it is not an immediate plan. This confirmation provides a fresh update for concerned fans, assuring them that the familiar face of the weather segment will remain on air. His dedication to his craft and the morning show family he has built is a major factor in his decision to continue.

2. The Lucrative NBC Contract Status

Al Roker is one of NBC's most valuable and longest-tenured assets. His contract status reflects his importance to the network. His most recent deal was a highly lucrative five-year, $50 million contract, demonstrating NBC's commitment to keeping him on the air. While the exact expiration date of this contract is not public, the size and scope of the deal suggest a long-term commitment that extends well into the near future. This financial security and network loyalty are powerful anchors keeping him at the show.

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3. Full Recovery from Major Health Scare

One of the biggest drivers of the "Is Al Roker leaving?" speculation was his serious health crisis at the end of 2022, which involved complications from blood clots, multiple hospitalizations, and a seven-hour surgery. This prolonged absence naturally sparked fears of a permanent exit. However, Roker made an emotional and triumphant return to the show, detailing his recovery and expressing his gratitude for the support of his family and co-hosts. His return confirmed his resilience and his desire to continue working. Current updates show him active and healthy, even making surprise appearances on other television competition shows.

The Future of Al Roker: Discussing His Retirement Timeline

While Roker is not leaving now, he is no longer shying away from discussing his eventual retirement, which is a natural progression for a broadcaster who has spent nearly three decades on the Today Show. His discussions are framed not as an imminent exit but as a thoughtful look at his next life chapter.

A Milestone Birthday and New Perspective

As Roker rang in a milestone birthday, he began to open up about his future, a conversation that was highlighted during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. He expressed a newfound perspective on life following his health scare, suggesting that the experience has made him more mindful of his time but also less fearful of the future. The conversation around his retirement is now less about *if* and more about *when* he will step away from the daily grind of early morning television.

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The Enduring Family Dynamic on Set

A key reason Roker remains is the strong, familial bond he shares with his colleagues. The core group of co-hosts, including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager, and Carson Daly, have consistently shown him support, especially during his health struggles. This on-air chemistry and genuine friendship are palpable to viewers and are a significant part of the show's success. Roker himself has referred to his co-hosts as his family, making the workplace a welcoming and supportive environment that is hard to walk away from.

His Role in the 3rd Hour Today

Beyond his primary role as the weather anchor for the main broadcast, Roker is a co-anchor of the popular 3rd Hour Today. This segment allows him to engage in more lifestyle and talk-show-style segments, showcasing his versatility as a journalist and personality. This varied role keeps his job fresh and engaging, preventing the burnout that often leads to a sudden departure. He is not just delivering the forecast; he is a central figure in the show's broader content strategy.

In conclusion, the answer to "Is Al Roker leaving the Today Show?" is a firm "No" for the foreseeable future. The rumors are largely unfounded, given his recent public statements, his full return to health, and his strong contractual commitment to NBC. While he has opened a dialogue about his eventual retirement, fans can rest assured that the veteran broadcaster will continue to be the friendly face delivering the weather forecast and co-hosting the 3rd Hour Today for some time to come.