Al Roker has explained to viewers why he hasn’t been on the Today show in recent weeks. On Friday, the 68-year-old weatherman shared a bunch of roses beside an NBC News Weather mug on Instagram.
Roker said that he had been hospitalized due to a frightening ailment.
“So many of you have been thoughtfully asking where I’ve been. Last week I was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in my leg which sent some clots into my lungs,” Roker wrote. “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. Have a great weekend, everyone.”
Roker’s wife, Deborah Roberts, commented on his post, writing, “So grateful for the top notch medical care and prayer warriors from every corner. We love you dearly sweet Al and can’t wait to get you home ❤️♥️♥️.”
In the comments area, Roker received a lot of love from his Today show co-stars.
“Al Roker— hurry back to us… counting the days xoxoxo,” Hoda Kotb said in a tweet.
“You’re the toughest guy we’ve ever met. We miss you and hope to see you soon!!” Savannah Guthrie chimed in as well.
Jenna Bush Hager wrote, “Love you Al! Hurry home. You are missed and loved beyond measure!”
Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer commented, “Love you Al and praying every day for a speedy recovery!”
On Friday, Roker’s Today show family discussed his illness in further detail.
“He’s in good spirits. We’ve all talked to him,” Guthrie shared.
Dreyer added, “The first time I called him, he immediately said, ‘Hey, Dilly Dill, how are the boys? That’s classic Al.”
Carson Daly expressed his desire to have Al Roker return to the program once he was discharged from the hospital, adding, “We require his return. Every day, he encourages me.”
“I don’t know if he watches this show,” Guthrie quipped. “But we love you, Al. We miss you!”