Photo: TODAYshow/Twitter
Al Rokermay not physically be with hisTodayshow family this holiday season, but he sure is in their hearts.
Asthe beloved weatherman continues to recover from his recent health issues, the NBC morning show made sure to include a special tribute to him in their 2022 video holiday card, which dropped on Monday.
“Thank you / for waking up with us.”
Among the cheerful messages of goodwill is one particularly sweet moment, in which Guthrie, Kotb, and Melvin hold up face cutouts of Roker — Kotb hugging him and Guthrie staring at the prop with a huge smile.
In the process, Roker missed theMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade— his first in 27 years — andWednesay’s annual Christmas Tree Lightingat Rockefeller Center.
“We all wish that Al could have been with us but due to some complications, he is back in the hospital and he’s in very good care,” Kotb said onTodayearlier this month, while reflecting on the holiday lighting. “He’s resting and his doctors are keeping a close eye on him.”
“Al and his family want everybody to know how grateful they are for all the love, the support and the well wishes,” she went on to say, noting that she and Melvin FaceTimed Roker from the tree lighting. “He gave us a big thumbs up. So good to see ya, [Al]!”
“Love you, Al,” added Jones, while Melvin told Roker, “We’ll see you back here soon, my friend.”
Roker has been a staple onTodayas the program’s premiere weather anchor since 1996, though made appearances as a substitute weathercaster from 1990 to 1995, filling in for the lateWillard Scottbefore his semiretirement.
He was last absent from the show in late September,after testing positive for COVID-19.
Todayairs weekdays (starting at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.
source: people.com
