Al Roker, a longtime fixture on the “Today” show, has been considering his future with the morning program,
especially following his colleague Hoda Kotb’s recent announcement about her departure. However, the 70-year-old weatherman assures fans that retirement is not happening just yet.
Speaking at the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston,
Roker opened up about the possibility of stepping away from his role but made it clear that he is still enjoying his time on the show.
“You know when you know,” he explained, emphasizing that making such a major life decision is a deeply personal process.
He even compared the decision to retire to figures like President Joe Biden, who, like Kotb, had their own reasons for determining when the right time to step away arrived.
Though he acknowledges that the moment will eventually come, Roker assured fans that he has no immediate plans to leave. “I don’t feel like that’s my time yet, but who knows? Maybe a year or two. Maybe not, but I’m enjoying it. I love this,” he shared. “You don’t get off the train until the last stop.”
Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave “Today” was met with an emotional response from colleagues and viewers alike. The 60-year-old journalist announced that she would be stepping away from her role in early 2025, citing her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. During her heartfelt announcement, Kotb expressed that, although she loved her job, she wanted to ensure her children received the attention and presence they deserved.
“I had my kiddos later in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world,” Kotb said through tears. While she is stepping away from her daily role, she assured fans she would remain part of the NBC family in a different capacity.
Roker has been nothing but supportive of Kotb’s decision, expressing happiness for his longtime colleague and friend. “I’m just so thrilled for her that I can’t possibly feel any sadness,” he said in an interview following her announcement. He emphasized that because she is not completely leaving NBC, the change feels less like a loss and more like an evolution in her career.
As a father himself, Roker understands Kotb’s reasoning for stepping away. He reflected on his own experience balancing a demanding career with parenthood, particularly when his daughter Courtney was young. “And look, I’m very fortunate in that I’ve watched my kids grow up. Especially when Courtney was younger, I was in local news, so I was home in the morning with my kids. But she’s got two young daughters, Haley and Hope… Those moments, those kids grow up. I mean, it’s cliché, but because it’s true. It’s like you blink,” he said, acknowledging how quickly time passes when raising children.
Although Kotb’s exit marks a significant shift for “Today,” Roker remains committed to the program for now. Fans can continue to enjoy his presence on the morning show as he remains a vital part of the team, bringing his signature warmth and energy to viewers each day. While retirement may be on his mind, Roker has made it clear that he is not quite ready to say goodbye.
For now, audiences can rest assured that Al Roker will continue to deliver weather updates, share heartwarming moments, and be a staple on “Today.” As for his future plans, only time will tell when he will finally decide to step away. Until then, viewers can look forward to more of Roker’s signature charm and enthusiasm each morning.
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